Tomorrow December 17, Galway City Community Network (GCCN ) will host a seminar exploring the Implementation of the Public Sector Equality and Human Rights Duty in Galway City which will include the launch of the Equality and Rights in Action Galway video and community resources.
Ann Irwin, GCCN Co-ordinator said that in a first for Galway, GCCN is delighted to launch this video outlining the work of the Civil Society Panel as part of the Equality and Rights in Action Galway Project.
This work makes Galway City a frontrunner in relation to supporting the Implementation of the Public Sector Duty which is a legal obligation on all Public Bodies to eliminate discrimination, promote equality of opportunity and treatment for their staff and service users, and protect the human rights of their employees, customers, service users.”
The Civil Society Panel is the first of its kind in the country and draws members of communities in Galway City that are protected by the Irish Equality Legislation .
Marian Maloney (Access for All ), member of the Galway City Civil Society Panel stated that, as panel members, they aim to use their expertise as rights holders to support Public Bodies to be compliant with the law, act as partners in monitoring compliance with the Duty and use the Duty as a tool to highlight equality and human rights issues when Public Bodies fail to protect and promote equality and the human rights of the communities they work with.
Rachel Doyle, Equality and Rights in Action Project Co-ordinator added that civil society groups and those with lived experience of discrimination, inequality and a denial of human rights have an important role to play in lobbying the Public Sector Bodies in our area to implement the Public Sector Duty.
“It is critical to recognise that they are best placed to engage in developing solutions and critiquing the responses by Public Bodies required by the Public Sector Duty.”
This initiative is undertaken by GCCN and Galway City Partnership and supported by Galway City Council and represents an important step in providing support to civil society in their work for a fairer, more just society.
Further information is available on the GCCN website – www.galwaycitycommunitynetwork.ie
