Courts / Ireland / Report

Russian girl (14) had place on summer camp cancelled over war in Ukraine

Date
2023-07-25
Stage
Hearing Or Decision

Summary

In July 2023 the Workplace Relations Commission ruled that a Russian 14‑year‑old girl was discriminated against when a summer camp cancelled her booking because of the Ukraine war. The camp's organisers claimed that taking her fee would breach EU sanctions and that other children might create difficulties for her solely because she was Russian. The tribunal found no evidence that sanctions applied to a minor and that the organisers' concerns were secondary to a wish to support Ukraine. The decision held the refusal was racial discrimination under the Equal Status Act 2000. The camp was ordered to pay €1,500 compensation and to offer the girl a free place in the 2024 camp, covering travel costs up to €1,200, with a second €1,500 compensation if she declined. The girl had 30 days to decide whether to accept the offer.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Russian girl (14) had place on summer camp cancelled over war in Ukraine. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision

When:

Why: In a decision published today, the tribunal ruled there was "no basis" for that claim, or for the organisers' later contention that they were concerned that other children could "create difficulties" for the teenager "solely because she is Russian". CNI source report

Topics

Stage Hearing Or Decision

Read the original CNI report

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