A new report has revealed just over half of Traveller children make it to post-primary schooling.

The Irish Examiner described how the document outlines the findings of the first comprehensive overview of the human rights situation of the Travellers and Roma in the European Union.

It was found that legislation criminalising the entering on to public or private land, as well as limited housing options, are two of the main reasons why children from such backgrounds experience disruption in their schooling.

Thomas Hammarberg, Council of Europe commissioner for human rights, commented that in many countries, Roma and Travellers "remain far behind others in education, employment, access to decent housing and health".

The report revealed that although Travellers noted recent improvements have been made concerning access to education, this has yet to result in a better integration into employment.

Across Europe there are between ten to 12 million Roma and Travellers living in various countries.

Written by Donal Walsh

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