How to tackle racism
Everyone has the right to live free from fear, prejudice and violence, regardless of their race, colour, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation or any other difference.
Fine words, but every day we turn on the TV or read newspaper headlines and hear about the challenges of living in a multi-cultural society.
Cities who manage to harness the potential of racial and religious diversity increase their competitive edge and enhance their cultural life at the same time. That's what we want for Edinburgh – to help us become the most successful and competitive city in northern Europe by 2015.
[IMG1]
That challenge is not going to be met unless Edinburgh harnesses the talent, energy and ability of its many diverse communities.
So how CAN we do it?
Report Racist Incidents
Reports of racist incidents in the Lothians have risen by a record 40 per cent over the last year, with more than two cases a day now reported to the Police.
If we all report racist incidents it will have the effect of increasing reporting levels for a while. In the longer term it will help the Police and other authorities tackle racism.
The Police are keen that victims come forward – no action can be taken unless a crime is reported. But they realise that not everyone feels comfortable going to a Police station.
Working with the Council, voluntary organisations and the NHS, the Police have set up a system called remote reporting.
Call 0131 311 3909 to get details of organisations who will give free confidential advice, information and support on how to report an incident remotely.
Hate crime and the law If they are told about it, the Council and the Police will always take firm and appropriate action against people who blight the lives of individuals and communities.
We need to send out a clear message to people across the city – antisocial behaviour, particularly racist antisocial behaviour, will not be tolerated.
For example, working with the Police, the Council issued an interim ASBO on a youth who was responsible for a series of racist incidents.
He refused to sign an acceptable behaviour contract so was prohibited from entering certain areas of Broomhouse and frequenting stairwells in the general neighbourhood.
It is important for everyone to challenge racist attitudes and behaviours by breaking down the barriers that lead to racist attitudes and behaviours including racist stereotyping.
Have you ever heard a racist remark and let it go? Have you ever seen racist graffiti or crime and not reported it? Tackling racism takes courage and commitment, but we can all play a part.
But this isn’t the only part we can play
Become involved
We are supporting a number of projects designed to get as many people as possible involved in challenging negative attitudes as well as making sure the services we offer are sensitive to the needs and aspirations of people from different ethnic and faith communities.
Show Racism the Red Card
In September, schools and amateur football clubs are going to Show Racism the Red Card.
Lasting throughout the year the initiative will introduce a zero tolerance policy to racism among teams and supporters.
It will also help sports clubs promote the development of football players and referees from black and minority ethnic (BME) communities.
BME communities are users of our services. Programmes must not suffer from ‘colour-blindness’ or, when they try to address ethnic minority issues, fail to achieve this because they have not understood the needs of BME communities.
What you can do to help?
Funding community groups
There has been a three-fold increase in the amount of money awarded to BME/faith groups through Local Development Committee funds over the fund’s four-year life span.
This BME funding strategy has encouraged more young people to be involved in community projects.
Join a community group
Why don’t you? A programme in North Edinburgh called Get Your Voice Heard has been promoted through local BME networks and local people with energy and enthusiasm have done just that.
The local people worked with planners, health professionals, Police and Council workers to look at ways to get a more diverse group of people involved in shaping their local services.
They developed a programme that was fun, challenging and worked out practical ideas to promote ‘participative democracy’.
Factfile: Ethnic minorities in Scotland
Some of the uncomfortable facts surrounding immigration and BEM communities
Currently Scotland has one of the fastest growing immigrant populations in the UK.
Between 1991 and 2001, immigrants accounted for 68 per cent of Scotland’s population growth, contributing to its economic performance.
The number of people from ethnic minorities who under achieve in the labour market is worse in Scotland than England.
The employment rate gap between ethnic minority groups and the rest of the population is 19 per cent in Scotland compared with 16 per cent in England.
There is a 21 per cent gap in employment between white women and women from a black or minority ethnic background.
A survey carried out in 2003 found that only 11 people of those sitting on council boards were from a minority ethnic background.
It’s hard to believe, but one in ten Scots still believes there is nothing wrong with attacking people from a minority ethnic background.
How well do you know your city?
Shed some light on your awarness
Q 1. What is the black and minority ethnic population in Edinburgh:
A) 15% B) 4.1% C) 0.8%? Q 2. What are the top three languages requested to be interpreted by the Council, NHS and voluntary organisations in 2005? Scroll down for the answers...
Answer to Q 1.
4.1%. The Chinese community is 0.8% and 15% is the number of disabled people living in the city. Answer to Q 2.
1: Chinese (Cantonese and Mandarin)
2: Sign language
3: Urdu |
Education: the powerful tool
How education has reached out to minority groups
• For the first time the Children and Families Department has data on students’ results by ethnicity and this information will enable targets in equality to work more effectively.
• This data and how the department should respond to them will be discussed by the Edinburgh Race Equality Forum at its next meeting on 31 October. More details about this meeting can be obtained from The Africa Centre Scotland on 0131 557 6331.
• A hospital and teaching outreach service is in place for gypsy/traveller children.
• English as an additional language service has provided support to about 190 Polish children in their last academic year.