Factsheet
Scottish Gypsy Travellers and their rights: Exploring the added benefits of a human rights-based approach to Scottish policy underpinned by ICERD
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Our Human Rights Matter - the second report
This report is a comparison of the results from human rights surveys and interviews carried out by residents at Double Dykes Travellers’ site in Perth in September 2022 and summer 2024, providing insight into the progressive realisation of human rights and living conditions in the community over time. This is the second human rights monitoring report by residents.
The report highlights the major housing conditions, community concerns, and human rights issues based on residents’ feedback, including direct quotations to illustrate the personal impact of these issues.
The Double Dykes Travellers’ site remains plagued by inadequate housing conditions despite some incremental improvements. The 2024 survey revealed:
- Mould and Damp: 83% of respondents reported these issues, slightly reduced from 87.5% in 2022, but still far above acceptable levels.
- Sewage and Drainage: Persistent problems affected 67% of households.
- Heating Issues: Increased from 50% in 2022 to 83% in 2024.
- Infestations: Mice and rats remain pervasive, with 83% of households affected.
You can access, read, and download the full report here — just click the button below.
Our Human Rights Matter - the first report
Travellers* in Scotland face significant longstanding human rights issues. Over many generations, communities have experienced deeply entrenched racism and discrimination, poor access to services and human rights violations.
We are working alongside Mangin’ Manishes (a voluntary organisation run by and for Travellers), residents of Double Dykes in Perth, Bobbin Mill in Pitlochry and Tarvit Mill in Cupar to support action to address current human rights breaches.
*We have used the term Travellers in this report and on these webpages as this is how most residents in Double Dykes want to be referred.
MRR's Report to the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD)
Serious Failings by Fife Council at Gypsy Traveller Site
The Scottish Housing Regulator has found serious failings by Fife Council in Tarvit Mill Gypsy Traveller site. You can read the full report by clicking the button below.
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Travellers’ Rights: Our Rights Matters
Travellers in Perth and Kinross are experiencing significant human rights issues and today launched a groundbreaking report Our Human Rights Matter: A Human Rights Monitoring Report by residents of Double Dykes, Perth that sets out their concerns. People at Double Dykes Traveler Site carried out research to find out residents’ experiences of living on site,…