The Women and Equalities Committee inquiry into tackling inequalities faced by Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities

In November 2016, the Women and Equalities Committee launched an inquiry into inequalities faced by Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities.

The inquiry looked at the 28 commitments for tackling inequalities faced by Gypsies and Travellers published by a ministerial working group in 2012, asking what progress has been made in achieving them, how effective policy-making and implementation is for these groups more generally, and how the Government can tackle such continuing inequalities.

Clinks’ response examines the specific inequalities faced by Gypsy, Roma and Traveller (GRT) people in the criminal justice system. It highlights in particular the lack of monitoring around outcomes for GRT people, low levels of awareness of the needs of GRT people among prison and probation staff and educational barriers for GRT people. The response makes a number of recommendations based on consultation with voluntary sector organisations with expertise in supporting GRT people in the criminal justice system.