Report calls for agency to tackle racial inequality

A new body to tackle growing racial inequalities and promote good race relations in Northern Ireland should be created, a report commissioned by the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister has claimed.

The report published today, ‘Tackling Racial Inequalities in Northern Ireland: Structures and Strategies’, is the fourth in a series examining racial problems in the province.

The report calls for the creation of an inter-agency forum comprising of representatives from relevant government departments and agencies, non-departmental public bodies, voluntary agencies, minority ethnic communities and organisations. It further states that Northern Ireland has entered a "new and unprecedented" phase of race relations.

However, the lack of appropriate and effective race relations training for staff working with minority ethnic people was highlighted, as was the relatively high levels of racial prejudice and harassment in Northern Ireland.

Among the report's recommendations are the establishment of minority ethnic units in government departments and agencies to oversee the provision of services to ethnic groups. It also calls for funding for ethnic organisations to help them build up a "vibrant voluntary and community sector".

Co-author Dr Paul Connolly said: “We need to monitor the problems of the ethnic communities and how those problems are being addressed and we need to change the way we do things so that services become more accessible to minority groups. It is not simply enough to offer services; we need to promote them and to help the minority groups help themselves.”

Dr Connolly highlighted work already undertaken by the PSNI, particularly in monitoring racially motivated incidents and helping victims.

“It is this sort of culture which the report is attempting to promote throughout the various public sectors in Northern Ireland,” Dr Connolly added.

NIO racial equality minister Des Browne welcomed the report, saying the government was committed to tackling the problems of racial inequality within Northern Ireland.

(AMcE)