WIREDGOV

The Equalities Minister Jeff Cuthbert told an audience today (21st March) how the Welsh Government is committed to race equality and the elimination of all forms of racism in Wales.

He will be updating delegates at the All Wales Annual Race Equality Conference in Cardiff on how the Government is addressing racism.

Opening the conference the Minster will tell delegates:

“I chair the Wales Race Forum which is working for race equality. The Forum helps us understand key issues and challenges affecting BME communities in Wales. It also provides a valuable opportunity for third sector organisations to raise issues with me directly.

“We know that race hate crime is the highest recorded form of hate crime. But we also know that it is still under-reported and this may be for a number of reasons. I’ll be talking more about the under-reporting of hate crime and how we can tackle this when I launch the Welsh Government’s new hate crime framework in May.

“As part of our new £1.6 million cycle of Equality and Inclusion Grant funding we are supporting Victim Support. This organisation will provide support for victims of hate crime, including race hate crime.”

The Minister will also speak about the work the Government is doing to address the needs of asylum seekers, refugees and Gypsies and Travellers.

He will say:

“We recognise that there is a need for substantial changes in approaches, actions and attitudes towards the Gypsy and Traveller community.

“During 2013 and 2014, we have made strides in providing accommodation for Gypsies and Travellers. And our £1.1 million Grant for the Education of Gypsy and Traveller Children, supports the attendance and attainment of children at school.

“Although immigration is not devolved, I am committed to promoting race equality for refugees and asylum seekers. The Welsh Government has a policy that inclusion begins on day one of arrival. We value the contribution that refugees bring to Wales."

Links

Equality and diversity