Mandela Day Boost for Pioneering Irish Projects

Promoting Human Rights

Projects focused on the link between Homelessness and Gender Based Violence, Climate Justice and Citizenship projects receive support

Pioneering projects aimed at promoting human rights in Ireland and abroad are receiving support as Community Foundation Ireland joins worldwide events to mark Nelson Mandela Day.

Ground-breaking research will explore and document links between homelessness and sexual violence, effective climate justice and the 20-year impact of removing the birth right for Irish citizenship.

Marking the birthday of the former South African President, Nelson Mandela is designated by the United Nations as a moment to promote peace justice and human dignity.

The Community Foundation, a philanthropic hub on a mission of Equality For All in Thriving Communities, is using the day to announce three new partnerships:

• A first national conference focussing on the link between homelessness and gender-based violence, including vulnerability to sex for rent as well as human trafficking. The Women’s Council will invite leaders in housing, women’s rights, and anti-trafficking activism to examiner policy and structural reforms.
• Using the law to hold the powerful to account on climate actions is central to a new partnership with the Global Legal Action Network (GLAN). The international network is developing a legal strategy to address how government inaction is facilitating harmful supply chains. Through litigation the network will challenge corporates which cause environmental damage and exploit people and communities.
• The impact of a change to Irish citizenship laws in 2004 is the focus of a new documentary by the Unforgettable Women’s Network. The ending of the automatic right to citizenship for babies born in Ireland has disproportionately impacted migrant families. The Unforgettable Women’s Network will document the experience of 21-year olds who were the last to receive automatic citizenship. They will reflect on the barriers placed in front of their peers often born just a few weeks later.

Announcing the projects Denise Charlton, Chief Executive of Community Foundation Ireland said:

“The extra-ordinary life of Nelson Mandela remains a triumph of the human spirit.

On what would be his birthday each year Mandela Day is an opportunity to recognise that his fight for equality goes on.

At Community Foundation Ireland we are proud to announce three new partnerships focussing on the protection of rights. Each in its own way, whether it is the rights of those with no homes, those exploited for profit or impacted by legal change, embody the spirit of Mandela. Each is made possible through Irish philanthropy.”

The partnerships announced for Mandela Day represent grant-making of almost €75,000.

ENDS

Note to Editors

Community Foundation Ireland

Community Foundation Ireland is a philanthropic hub on a mission of ‘Equality For All in Thriving Communities.’ With 25 years expertise and experience, the Foundation understands that philanthropy is informed, intentional and impactful. We, as experts, with the generous support of donors and the expertise of our community partners continue to use that force into the future to achieve positive change for all. To date our equality mission has been supported with grants of over €160-Million.