The Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (IHREC) has made a total of €350,000 available to 28 organisations to fund projects under its Human Rights and Equality Grants Scheme 2021.

Now in its sixth year, the 2021 programme awards small grants of up to €6,000, and general grants of up to €20,000, to support civil-society organisations, rights-holder and community-led groups, and trade unions.

IHREC says that the aim of the funding is to promote access to justice for people who face the greatest barriers to accessing their rights.

“People and communities who face discrimination and inequality across the country are embedded in the design and delivery of these 28 projects, ensuring that their voices are heard through innovative education, training, research and policy initiatives,” said Sinéad Gibney (IHREC’s chief commissioner, pictured).

Health issues facing Roma women and children

Among the projects receiving support is a research programme organised by Empower and Musicantia Roma Group, aimed at identifying health inequalities facing Roma women and children.

NASC, the migrants rights centre, also receives funding for a report that will include a scorecard monitoring the implementation of the White Paper on ending direct provision.

Sage Advocacy will receive help for a project aimed at establishing an observatory on “rights-based, long-term care”, to influence policy and public debate on the issue.

Research by LGBT Ireland and the National LGBT+ Traveller and Roma Action Group on the experiences of LGBT+ Travellers and Roma will also be supported.

ICTU, FLAC and the Irish Council for Civil Liberties are among the other groups receiving funds.