A/HRC/41/54/Add.4 traditions remain a major challenge across all the nations of the UK, but especially in Wales. The Welsh Government recognises that Gypsies, Roma and Travellers are amongst the most marginalised groups in our society who often experience discrimination, inequality and a lack of opportunities. The Welsh Government is determined to ensure that members of these communities are supported to fulfil their potential and make a full contribution to society and have been working actively to achieve this in recent years. Since the introduction of the Act in 2014, 77 new council pitches have been created across Wales in addition to the refurbishment of other local authority sites. This compares to only a handful of new pitches created between 1997-2014. Since the approval of Gypsy and Roma Traveller Accommodation Assessments (GTAAs) in 2016, 98 pitches have been created across Wales, equating to 32 council and 66 private pitches. In effect, this means that just over two thirds of the overall total figure of pitches provided thus far, has been through private development. Taken together, the progress made between both public and private site development illustrates that at the halfway point (end 2018), Welsh Government are just over 40% target to meet the overall GTAA need identified at the outset. This follows the second review of GTAAs following completion, carried out in November 2018. The Welsh Government is also funding the Travelling Ahead project at TGP Cymru to provide support to Gypsies and Travellers under three themes: advice and advocacy; rights and participation; and tackling discrimination. Although progress has been slower in some areas, genuine progress is being made and Welsh Government will continue to drive this forward. Welsh Government feels the progress made is a remarkable achievement and cannot be underestimated. 26. Para 23-27 - With respect to education following on from the serious disparities highlighted by the Race Disparity Audit, Government has provided £200,000 of funding between six projects across England which aim to improve outcomes in the areas of educational attainment, health and social integration to support Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities. Government has also funded 22 projects which support Roma communities across England through the Controlling Migration Fund. Interventions include improving access to services, improving health outcomes, outreach, supporting children and young people, and English language learning. It should be noted that the underlying data uses 2001 census ethnicity classifications, which did not include a Gypsy Roma Traveller option, meaning that there is as yet no data on the number of Gypsy/Traveller teachers. There is a possibility that the National Audit figure was assumed to be a small number. 27. The recently published Timpson Review of Exclusions made 30 recommendations to Government as it highlighted variation in exclusions practice across different schools, local authorities and certain groups of children. The report concluded that while there was no optimal number of exclusions, action was needed to ensure permanent exclusions were only used as a last resort. Government welcomed the review and agreed to all 30 recommendations in principle, committing to act to make sure no child misses out on a quality education. 28. Regarding the SR’s findings on racially motivated bullying in schools, schools should be safe and disciplined environments in which pupils, whatever their ethnic background, feel happy and able to fulfil their potential. No child should suffer the fear of prejudice or bullying. Department of Education expect schools to take a strong stand against all forms of prejudice or bullying, and schools should tackle issues at the earliest opportunity to prevent them from escalating. In England, all schools are legally required to have a behaviour policy with measures to prevent all forms of bullying. They have the freedom to develop their own anti-bullying strategies appropriate to their environment and are held to account by Ofsted. 29. In England, Government has provided over £2.8 million of funding between September 2016 and March 2020, to four anti-bullying organisations to support schools to tackle bullying. This includes the Anne Frank Trust, who are funded by MHCLG, to develop and deliver their ‘Free to Be’ debate programme which encourages young people to think about the importance of tackling prejudice, discrimination and bullying. 30. Last year the Department of Education published Respectful School Communities - a self-review and signposting tool to support schools to develop a whole-school approach which promotes respect and discipline. This can combat bullying, harassment and prejudice of any kind. 6