Tackling racism in Wales discussed in National Assembly

10 May 2019 11:34 AM

A debate on tackling racism and racial inequality has taken place in the National Assembly to promote the Welsh Government’s actions on race issues.

The debate motion, put forward by the Deputy Minister and Chief Whip Jane Hutt, received cross-party approval before it was taken to the Senedd’s Chamber Tuesday afternoon.

The Deputy Minister proposed that Assembly Members:

ICERD is the only international legal channel specifically addressing the comprehensive issues of racial discrimination and it is monitored by 18 independent experts.

It defines racial discrimination as “any distinction, exclusion, restriction or preference based on race, colour, descent, or national or ethnic origin.”

The debate also coincided with the setting up of a Cross-Party Group on Race Equality, chaired by John Griffiths.

Speaking in the Chamber, Jane Hutt yesterday said:

We have an opportunity to add our voices to the calls from around the world for racial harmony, peace and justice especially following recent tragic events like in New Zealand.

We must publicly condemn racism, Islamophobia, Afrophobia and antisemitism wherever it occurs, and we must take further action to tackle racial inequalities that are present in our own country.

Together, we must continue to build a strong and diverse society here in Wales, where people of every race, faith and colour are valued for their character and their actions. We all want to help create a peaceful and harmonious country where our children and future generations can thrive.

Earlier this year the Welsh Government announced £2.4 million of funding to expand its Regional Community Cohesion Programme identifying and mitigating community tensions, as well as a dedicated fund for events across Wales to mark Windrush Day.