United we stand

Drive2Survive was founded to fight the introduction of new anti travelling powers in 2021. So we fully support the UN's Call to Repeal Section 83 of the PCSC Act, writes Romany campaigner Claire Rice

GaTEssex and Drive2Survive stand firmly in support of the recent recommendations made by the United Nations Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (CESCR), which call on the UK government to repeal Section 83 of the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022 (PCSC Act).

Section 83 criminalises unauthorised encampments in England and Wales, directly threatening the way of life of Gypsies and Travellers who still travel. This law does nothing to address the chronic shortage of legal stopping places and instead pushes families further into the margins, exposing them to discrimination, criminalisation, and hardship.

The UN’s findings are clear: the UK is failing in its responsibilities to Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller communities. The CESCR has recognised what we and many others have been saying for years—there is an urgent need for culturally appropriate accommodation, better access to essential services, and an end to harmful laws that criminalise traditional ways of life.

The UN’s Key Recommendations

The CESCR is calling for:

• The repeal of Section 83 of the PCSC Act, which criminalises stopping on land without authorisation.

• A commitment to providing adequate, culturally appropriate accommodation and stopping places, ensuring access to water, sanitation, and electricity.

• Improved access to healthcare, education, and employment for Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller communities.

• Action to combat discrimination and negative stereotypes, which continue to exclude and marginalise our communities.

• Greater efforts to promote equal rights for women and girls in Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller communities, ensuring fair access to opportunities and support.

Why This Matters

The criminalisation of stopping places has had devastating consequences. Families who have no authorised sites to stop on face constant eviction, fines, and even imprisonment. Children’s education is disrupted, access to healthcare is blocked, and entire communities are treated as criminals simply for existing.

The UN’s intervention confirms that these policies are unjust and must change. The UK must stop criminalising Gypsies and Travellers and start addressing the real issue: the failure of councils to provide legal and suitable stopping places.

GaTEssex and Drive2Survive Stand With the UN

We welcome the UN’s recommendations and call on the UK government to act now. The repeal of Section 83 is not just a legal necessity—it is a matter of basic human rights.

For too long, Gypsies and Travellers have been treated as second-class citizens, denied the rights and protections afforded to others. The UN’s report is a reminder that the world is watching. The government must listen, take action, and put an end to the criminalisation of our communities.

We urge all supporters, allies, and organisations to join us in demanding the repeal of Section 83 and in fighting for a future where Gypsies and Travellers are treated with dignity, respect, and fairness.

Let’s stand together for justice. Let’s make our voices heard.