Call for NI racial equality strategy implementation

Front row left to right Orla Mc Stravick, TEO, Lilian Seenoi-Barr Director of Programmes NWMF, Dr Mark Browne, TEO, Beverly Simpson NWMF. Back row; Adekanmi Abayomi, EMSNI, Tura Cuthbert, Friend of NWMD, Tshamano Mosapho- NWMF, Reginald Clark- United against Racism, Naomi Green, Belfast Islamic centre and Hannah Davies NWMF.

At a meeting hosted by North West Migrants Forum, representatives of the black and ethnic minority community in Northern Ireland met with Dr. Mark Browne, Deputy Permanent Secretary and Director of Strategic Policy, Equality and Good Relations at the NI Executive Office and Orla McStravick, Racial Equality Champion.

During what was described as a “frank but constructive exchange”, participants said there had been a lack of progress in the Racial Equality Strategy and highlighted the impact this was having on their lives.

Examples were relayed of racist bullying in schools, racially motivated hate crime, alienation and loneliness and unequal access to services, alongside the disproportionate impact of Covid-19 on ethnic minorities and the lack of representation in public life.

The Racial Equality Strategy, adopted in 2015, was put in place to tackle racial inequalities and open up opportunity for all; to eradicate racism and hate crime; and to promote good race relations and social cohesion.

However, after five years, local groups said very little has happened in terms of concrete action with hate crime legislation yet to be published.

There was also frustration expressed about the lack of awareness and understanding about what racism actually is and how to tackle it.

“We are at a crisis point,” said Naomi Green. “We have lost people in our community to suicide because of racism and harassment. Stuck between orange and green - we don’t have political representatives who speak for us.”

Participants at the meeting also highlighted the need to move beyond words.

Lilian Seenoi Barr from North West Migrants Forum stressed the need for accountability. “We need a timetable for action, we need people to take responsibility and we need to move beyond process so that there is proper investment in racial equality, including a more transparent and inclusive relationship with the Racial Equality Unit in the The Executive Office.”

Dr. Browne stressed that they are committed to the Racial Equality Strategy, and there was, said those in attendance, a recognition that more could be done and pledges to improve relationships.

There was also agreement on strengthening the Racial Equality Sub-Group so that its work was more connected to other ministries, and more robust anti-racism training for civil servants.