GALWAY CITY PARTNERSHIP To mark Anti-Racism in the Workplace Week 2004, Galway Peoples’ Resource Centre organised an anti-racism awareness raising event in Eyre Square Shopping Centre in Galway. Three maps were displayed - a map of Galway, a map of Ireland, and a map of the world, and shoppers were asked to place a small pin on one of the maps identifying where Towards a they were from. From this a pattern emerged City of Equals which was then used to design the emblem of Emblem Towards A City Of Equals. Foreword Glossary

It gives me great pleasure to introduce Towards a Our ultimate vision is of a Galway that is free of Racism Racism is a specific form of discrimination and exclusion City of Equals - Galway City Anti-Racism Strategy racism where all groups, regardless of cultural faced by cultural and ethnic minorities. It is based on the 2005-2008. This strategy is the first of background, are treated equally and with respect. false belief that some ‘races’ are inherently superior to its kind in Ireland and probably the first of its For this vision to become a reality we all need to others because of different skin colour, nationality, ethnic or kind in the world. Either way it puts Galway City adopt it as our own. It requires us all to say No cultural background. Racism denies people their basic firmly on the map in terms of taking to Racism and Yes to Interculturalism. The human rights, equality, and respect. positive action to address the problems of Action Plan for this strategy sets out an ambitious racism in our society. programme of work that will combat racism and Asylum Seeker A person who seeks to be recognised as a refugee in promote interculturalism across all sectors of the accordance with the terms of the 1951 Geneva Convention. The strategy sets the people of Galway the city over the coming years. Refugee An asylum seeker who has been granted refugee challenge of eliminating racism from our City. status in accordance with the terms of the 1951 This is an enormous task given that racism has While it is of great importance that we as Geneva Convention. been a persistent problem in our society for some individuals buy into the strategy, we also need time now. Historically, many minority groups the leadership and commitment of the local trade Migrant Worker A person who is to be engaged, is engaged or has been have experienced racism and continue to do so unions, employers, community and voluntary engaged in remunerated activity in a State of which he or today. It is my hope that this strategy will mark groups and the state and semi state agencies. she is not a national. the beginning of a new and more committed In the action plan these agencies and groups Ethnicity An ethnic group is a group of people sharing a collective approach that will eventually see racism have put their organisations forward as active identity based on a sense of common history and ancestry. consigned to the history books. participants in making our vision happen. Ethnic groups possess their own culture, customs, norms, I commend them for that commitment and as beliefs and traditions. Other relevant characteristics shared Today, Galway is more diverse than ever before. Chairperson of the Galway City Partnership in common would be language, geographical origin, While our city has always been home to different I know that this collaborative approach has literature or religion. communities recent times have witnessed a proved successful in the past and I look forward considerable growth in our diversity. More and to continuing with this positive way of working as Integration A two-way process that places duties and obligations on more people from all over the world now share our we begin the process of implementing the both cultural and ethnic minorities and the State to create workplaces, our schools, our churches, and our strategy Towards A City Of Equals – Galway a more inclusive society. streets. This strategy welcomes our new City Anti-Racism Strategy 2005-2008. The distinctive beliefs and practices of a group. communities and views our growing diversity as a Culture positive change that will enrich local society. The Multiculturalism Multiculturalism is a complex term but essentially it refers strategy also sets itself the realistic goal of Elaine Harvey to the integration of minorities into the dominant society. creating an intercultural society. Chairperson The emphasis, in a multiculturalist approach, is on ethnic Galway City Partnership minorities to integrate into the dominant society. March 2005 Multiculturalism has been rejected by most working in the area of anti-racism in favour of interculturalism. Interculturalism Interculturalism is essentially about creating the conditions for interaction, equality of opportunity, understanding and respect between all cultures and ethnic groups, without glossing over issues such as racism. It is about planning for and accommodating cultural and ethnic diversity. Prejudice Negative opinions or attitudes held by members of one group about another. Discrimination Negative behaviour of an individual or group towards another individual or group. Xenophobia Fear of the stranger.

ii iii Table of Declaration Contents

This is the Declaration of the Galway City Anti-Racism Strategy. Foreword ii

Galway City needs to welcome diversity, eliminate racism, and promote Glossary iii interculturalism. This will be done by creating the conditions for the prevention Declaration iv of racism in Galway City; by promoting better protection from racist acts; by Introduction 2 ensuring the inclusion of those who experience racism in all aspects of society; by Principles 2 ensuring the provision of equitable services; by promoting better participation of Outline 3 those who experience racism in decision-making processes; by the recognition of Summary of Action Plan 4 cultural diversity; and ultimately by the elimination of all forms of discrimination Methodology 6 Language 6 in Galway City. Section One Context and Rationale 7 That being so, this strategy is: 1.1 Context 7 1.1.1 Diversity in Ireland 7 Conscious that widespread solidarity amongst the people of Galway City in effectively 1.1.2 Diversity in Galway 8 combating racism is required. 1.1.3 Racism 8 1.1.4 Interculturalism 8 Calling on all people associated with Galway City to end all forms of racism irrespective of 1.2 Rationale 9 whether they are overt or covert. 1.2.1 The International Level 9 1.2.2 The National Level 9 Rejecting any and all verbal, visual, written and physical forms of racism in their entirety. 1.2.3 The Local Level 10 Mindful that racism is damaging to all. 1.3 Legislative and Policy Context 10 1.3.1 International Legislation 10 Reaffirming the right of ethnic minority groups to retain their cultural identity within a 1.3.2 Domestic Legislation 12 human rights framework. 1.3.3 Domestic Mechanisms Monitoring Human Rights 13 1.4 Summary 13 Recognising that members of ethnic minority groups experience racism and validating the Section Two Racism 14 particular experience of racism of the Irish Traveller community. 2.1 What is Racism 14 Acknowledging that racism is not a new phenomenon and building on the historical work 2.2 Racism in Ireland 15 against racism in Ireland. 2.3 Anti-racism in Ireland 21

Asserting that the struggle to uphold the principle of equality is worthy and that the Section Three Galway City 22 3.1 Racism in Galway City 22 elimination of all forms of racism from Galway City is linked to social justice. 3.2 Anti-Racism in Galway City 25 Agreeing to support the implementation of Towards a City of Equals – Galway City Section Four Action Plan 26 Anti-Racism Strategy, 2005-2008. 4.1 Preamble 26 4.2 Intercultural Framework 27 To express your solidarity with Towards A City Of Equals – Galway City 4.3 Implementation 27 Anti-Racism Strategy, please contact Galway City Partnership for a copy Action Plan 29 of the Declaration to sign and return. Acknowledgements 39

Appendix One Members of the Working Group and Advisory Group 40

iv 1 At the international level, the Irish an afterthought and the need to plan for and Introduction Government agreed to the Programme of accommodate diversity. The accomplishment Action published after the World Conference of an intercultural Galway City is of primary Against Racism (WCAR), held in Durban, in significance to the success of Towards a City 2001 under the aegis of the United Nations of Equals. High Commissioner for Human Rights. One of the key commitments of the Durban Towards a City of Equals - Galway City Programme of Action was for states to Anti-Racism Strategy commits itself to develop national action plans against racism. facilitating and supporting the Ireland published Planning for Diversity – implementation of Planning for Diversity – The National Plan Against Racism (NPAR), the National Action Plan Against Racism in in January 2005. The NPAR will now provide Galway City, and has adopted the five the framework for anti-racism in Ireland. strategic objectives of Planning for Diversity Significantly for local areas, one of the as the intercultural framework under which expected outcomes in the NPAR is for the the actions of Towards a City of Equals will development of Anti-Racism and Diversity be presented. Plans (ARD) at city and/or county level. At local level, Galway City Development Board, Principles in its plan for the integrated development of Galway City, included an action to The development of the anti-racism strategy tackle racism by developing an anti- was informed by the following principles: racism strategy. Galway City is a city on the west coast of growth in racism and racist incidents in • The Need to Combat Racism - Note 1 Ireland with a population of 65,832 1. It is Galway City. The fact that this needs to Census of the The publication of Towards a City of Equals - to ensure that racism is challenged and Republic of one of the fastest growing cities in Europe be addressed and challenged was Ireland, 2002 Galway City Anti-Racism Strategy will fulfill ultimately eliminated. and is the only city in the Border, identified by a number of organisations, the commitments to develop an anti-racism • Racism and Human Rights - Midlands and Western region. including locally based anti-racism strategy in Galway City. It sets out a that racism is understood as an abuse organisations such as Galway Refugee strategy to welcome diversity, eliminate of the Human Rights of the person As in most places in Ireland, recent years Support Group, Galway Travellers racism, and promote interculturalism in experiencing racism. have seen a growth in the diversity of the Support Group and the Galway One Galway City. Ultimately, Towards a City of • Protection - population of Galway City. This is partly World Centre, as well as others with a Equals envisages Galway City as an to ensure that racism is recognised as a because recent years have seen net focus on racism such as Galway City Intercultural City free of racism and sees as crime in both Irish and international immigration for the first time since the Partnership, Galway Peoples’ Resource its mission the elimination of racism from law, and to ensure that those 1970’s. The immigrant community is Centre and the Galway City Development Galway City. The approach that is taken by experiencing racism are afforded the largely made up of returning Irish Board. In order to meet this challenge, Towards a City of Equals is that of the full protection of the law. emigrants, but there is also an increasing the anti-discrimination umbrella group, NPAR, namely to emphasise the notion of • Interculturalism - Note 2 diversity of immigrants, such as asylum Action for Equality - Galway, in While interculturalism. Interculturalism is to ensure that Galway City becomes an acknowledging seekers, refugees, and migrant workers. conjunction with Galway City that people use a essentially about creating the conditions for intercultural society by promoting capital ‘B’ when The decision of people from other Partnership and with the support of the identifying a black interaction, understanding, equality of equality, respect, and understanding person for a myriad countries and ethnic minorities to make Galway City Development Board, opportunity and respect between all between all communities. of reasons, the their home in Galway has added to the undertook to develop an anti-racism Working Group • Community Development - that developed communities in Ireland in the belief that Towards a City of existing diversity of Galway’s population, strategy for Galway City. Equals Irish society as a whole will benefit and be to ensure that the principles of believe thatwhich already included members of the it is incorrect to 2 enriched. It stresses the importance of community development are central in define a person’sTravelling community, black Irish The rationale for the development of an identity by their ‘inclusion by design’, not as an add-on or any approach to combat racism. colour and so usepeople, a Chinese community, South anti-racism strategy was linked to a small ‘b’ whenAmerican community, and others. number of significant developments at referring to ‘black’ people.However, recent years have also seen a the international and national level.

2 3 Summary of Action Plan Intercultural Framework

Outline of Towards a City of Equals - Galway City Towards a THEME 1 Protection Anti-Racism Strategy can be very generally City of Equals - Enhancing protection against racism summarised as follows: Galway City Objective 1.1 To ensure adequate protection and legal redress for those experiencing Anti-Racism Strategy racism in Galway City 2005-2008 • Vision Objective 1.2 To create the appropriate environment for challenging racism and promoting Galway City - An Intercultural City interculturalism locally, nationally and at EU level Towards a City of Equals - Free of Racism - Let’s Do It! Galway City Anti-Racism THEME 2 Inclusion Strategy is outlined as follows: Ensuring economic inclusion and equality • Mission The Introduction presents To eliminate racism from Galway City. Objective 2.1 To facilitate the development of an intercultural ethos in all local the strategy and looks at the organisations in the public, private and voluntary sectors outline and the methodology Objective 2.2 To ensure there is a focus on the impact of poverty of the strategy. • Aim Objective 2.3 To ensure that national initiatives are facilitated at local level To welcome diversity, eliminate racism, Section One, Context and and promote interculturalism. THEME 3 Provision Rationale looks at the social Accommodating cultural diversity in service provision and legislative context, and rationale for the development Objective 3.1 To foster an environment of intercultural learning throughout Galway City of the strategy. Objective 3.2 To ensure equal access to all services by ethnic minorities Objective 3.3 To promote the further development of dedicated support services and Section Two, Racism sets facilities for ethnic minorities out the understanding of racism that underpins the THEME 4 Recognition strategy. Recognition and awareness of cultural diversity and racism

Section Three, Galway City Objective 4.1 To reduce racism in Galway City through raising local awareness on cultural examines racism in Galway by diversity and interculturalism looking at the results of the Objective 4.2 To develop and celebrate the cultural diversity of Galway City qualitative research carried out for Towards a City of THEME 5 Participation Equals - Galway City Enhancing the participation of cultural and ethnic minorities in Anti-Racism Strategy. Irish society

Section Four, Action Plan Objective 5.1 To achieve effective participation by ethnic minorities and immigrants in the outlines the Action Plan and political, community and local development processes. its implementation.

4 5 Methodology Plan of Towards a City of Equals - Galway City Anti-Racism Strategy. Context and Rationale In order to inform the development of Towards a City of Equals - Galway City As part of the process, two documents were Anti-Racism Strategy, a considerable amount commissioned. The first is Galway City of work was undertaken over an 18-month Anti-Racism Strategy: A Legal Basis, period (January 2003 to July 2004). This researched and written by Human Rights for work focused on a number of key issues for Change, the Organisation for the Protection the project. These were: and Promotion of Human Rights based in the Irish Centre for Human Rights, National • Developing an understanding of racism University of Ireland, Galway. The second is • Exploring racism in Galway City a document on the concept of racism, and • Devising the appropriate strategic racism in Ireland, written by Ann Irwin. responses These two documents have been incorporated From the outset, the development of the into Towards a City of Equals - Galway City strategy was framed around the principles of Anti-Racism Strategy. They will also be participation and consultation. To ensure the made available separately as supporting participation of all stakeholders, a project documentation. Advisory Group, with broad representation Other documents drawn on include the Section 1 from local development organisations, ethnic Galway City Development Board’s Strategy minority communities and their for Economic, Social and Cultural representative organisations, was established Development 2002-2012 - Gaillimh! Beo Agus 1.1 CONTEXT Chart 1 National Diversity in Ireland in early 2003. From the Advisory Group, a Bríomhar; Planning for Diversity - The smaller Working Group, was also established. National Action Plan Against Racism; This group was responsible for the overall 1.1.1 Diversity in Ireland Percentage of overall population Irish Building an Inclusive Society - The National EU implementation of the key tasks, such as the Anti-Poverty Strategy; The European In the attempt to contextualise Towards a City of Rest of Europe research and consultations, and the drafting Coalition of Cities against Racism Ten-Point Equals - Galway City Anti-Racism Strategy, it is African of the strategy documents. A full list of the Plan of Action, and others. important to look at contemporary Ireland and at Asian individuals and organisations on the project the demographic and social features that are America Advisory Group and Working Group is Language shaping Irish society. Other Nationalities provided in Appendix 1. Those involved in the development of According to the Census of Population 2002, there Diversity has always been a feature of Irish Following the formal launch of the project in Towards a City of Equals - Galway City are 23,681 members of the Irish Travelling society. This diversity has been made up of the March 2003, a research and consultation Anti-Racism Strategy wish to acknowledge Community, making up 0.6% of the total white settled community, the Traveller process was initiated. A variety of the importance of language in relation to population. There are also a significant number of community, a small but vibrant Jewish other minorities that have lived in Ireland for complementary research techniques including racism and anti-racism. The choice of community, black Irish people, and others. many years. focus groups, a public call for submissions, a language and terminology was a constant Increasingly, in recent years, this diversity has public seminar, and documentary analysis challenge during the development of the been broadened and the latest Census of Religious diversity is also on the increase in were undertaken in order to inform both the strategy and it is hoped that best practice Population (2002) estimates that there are a total Ireland. In all, the Census of Population (2002) content of the strategy document and the was used in relation to the use of language of 224,261 people that identify their nationality lists a total of 23 religions currently being specific actions that would form the Action and terminology. as non-Irish living in the country. This accounts practised in Ireland. The number of Muslims for just over 5.5% of the overall population. The in Ireland grew from 3,875 in 1991 to 19,147 nationalities represented in Ireland can be in 2002, an increase of 394%. There are over summarised as follows: 20,000 Presbyterians and over 2,000 Jewish people in Ireland.

6 7 1.1.2 Diversity in Galway smaller number of Presbyterians, Jewish for Diversity is one that emphasises the effectively signed up to the Declaration people, and people of other religions. notion of interculturalism. As an and the Programme of Action published by The increase in diversity on a national approach, interculturalism stresses the WCAR and thus to the commitment to importance of creating the conditions for develop the National Action Plan Against basis has been matched by an increase in 1.1.3 Racism diversity in Galway City. The Census of interaction, understanding, and respect Racism in Ireland. The commitment by Population (2002) estimates that there are The increase in diversity, both at a between all communities living in Ireland, the Irish Government to implement the a total of 5,972 people living in Galway national and local level, is to be welcomed, in the belief that Irish society as a whole NPAR was further reinforced in the City that class their nationality as non- and is being welcomed by those who will benefit and be enriched. Included in Social Partnership Agreement 2003-2005, Irish. This accounts for approximately 9% acknowledge that a population rich in this notion is the need to plan for Programme for Prosperity, which of the overall population. These diversity enriches society. The NPAR, diversity, not as an add-on or as an identified the Plan as a key element of a nationalities represented in Galway City for example, states that the Irish afterthought, which would mean an ad hoc special initiative on migration and can be summarised as follows: Government ‘recognises and welcomes the approach to planning for a more diverse interculturalism to be undertaken fact that Ireland is now a more diverse society, but by design. To take this during the period of the Agreement8. Note 8 Diverse Voices: Chart 2 National Diversity in Galway City society in which people of different approach will ensure the development of At EU level, the development of a A Summary of the cultural and ethnic backgrounds enrich a more inclusive society, a society where European Coalition of Cities against Outcomes of the Consultative Process 4 Percentage of overall population Irish our society’ . However, there are those Note 4 racism is eliminated, where cultural Racism is currently underway, with and a Proposed NPAR, page 40 Framework for the EU who do not agree with this assertion, and diversity is accommodated and celebrated, cities that sign up to the coalition asked National Action Rest of Europe the rise in diversity of Irish society has and where positive action to support the to adopt a ten-point plan of action and Plan Against Racism, 2003 African been paralleled by a rise in racism and full equality of minority groups is to implement the actions appropriate Asian racist incidents. provided for. This approach has been fully to them. America adopted by Towards a City of Equals in Other Nationalities At a national level, for example, the its vision to achieve an intercultural city 1.2.2 The National Level National Consultative Committee on free of racism. There is little information available on Racism and Interculturalism (NCCRI) Planning for Diversity – The National ethnic minorities living in Galway City. reported in November 2004 that the 1.2 RATIONALE Action Plan Against Racism was A report carried out for the Galway City highest number of racist incidents since published in January 2005. The Partnership in 2001 indicated that 38 their records were first collated had been development of the NPAR in Ireland different nationalities were represented in reported to them between May and The rationale for the development of was overseen by the Department of 5 Note 5 Galway City. In 2003, the Galway Refugee October 2004 . In a similar vein, according Irish Times, Towards a City of Equals - Galway City Justice, Equality and Law Reform through Support Group (GRSG) estimated that to the Equality Authority, race was the 11-11-2004 Anti-Racism Strategy comes from the National Action Plan Against Racism there were 887 asylum seekers and main ground for claims of discrimination important developments at three Steering Group. The NPAR ‘reaffirms the at work in 20036. Although, no such Note 6 different levels: Irish Government’s commitment that refugees, with 622 children, living in Irish Times, 9 Note 3 Galway City3, although anecdotal comprehensive logs are kept in Galway 20-5-2004 • The International Level racism has no place in Irish society’ . Note 9 NPAR, page 40 Submission to City, local logs and anecdotal evidence • The National Level The aim of the plan is to provide strategic the Galway information from the GRSG would Anti-Racism indicate that there are currently even would suggest that there has been an • The Local Level direction to combat racism and to develop Strategy, 2003 more nationalities represented in increase in the level of racism and a more inclusive, intercultural society racist incidents in the city in recent times. in Ireland. Galway City. 1.2.1 The International Level This is the social context locally and According to the Census of Population nationally within which Towards a City The impetus for the development of a In addition to the publication of the (2002), there are a total of 1,058 members of Equals - Galway City Anti-Racism national anti-racism strategy comes as a NPAR, recent years have seen significant of the Travelling community living in Strategy was developed. result of the World Conference Against developments in relation to equality Galway City, accounting for 1.6% of the Racism, Racial Discrimination, legislation in Ireland through the Xenophobia and Related Intolerance, held introduction of the Employment Equality population. Estimates in research being 1.1.4 Interculturalism carried out for the Galway Travellers in Durban in 2001, which urges States, ‘to Act 1998, the Equal Status Act 2000 and Support Group would claim that this is The rise in diversity and the increasingly establish and implement without delay the Equality Act 2004. Under these Acts, under representative of the number of varied nature of diversity in Ireland and national policies and action plans to discrimination on grounds, such as race, Travellers in Galway City. There are also in Galway City indicate how important it combat racism, racial discrimination, religion, and membership of the a number of black Irish people, and other is to welcome and accommodate minority xenophobia and related intolerance, Travelling Community is prohibited. communities and their diverse needs. This including their gender-based Furthermore, the first ever, national minority communities living in Galway Note 7 needs to be done in a planned and WCAR, Plan of manifestations’7. As a participant in the anti-racism awareness programme was City. There are over 600 practising Action, Paragraph 66 Muslims in Galway City, as well as a sustained way. The approach of Planning conference the Irish Government recently implemented in Ireland.

8 9 KNOW RACISM, The National Anti-Racism The development of Towards a City of Equals Declaration of Human Rights, drafted in Minorities is the first legally binding Awareness Programme was formally launched - Galway City Anti-Racism Strategy was also 1948, was understood to represent a multilateral instrument devoted to the by the government in October 2001 with the incorporated into the Galway City ‘common standard of achievement’ for all protection of national minorities. Under aim of creating the conditions for building an Development Board’s Strategy for Economic, the parties involved in its adoption. As a this framework, States are required to inclusive society in Ireland, where racism is Social and Cultural Development 2002-2012 – point of reference for all subsequent adopt special measures to ensure equality effectively addressed and cultural diversity is Gaillimh! Beo Agus Bríomhar. The City treaties of international human rights and non-discrimination for persons valued. This three-year programme, 2001- Development Board, established in March law, the Declaration embodies a set of belonging to minorities. Ireland recognises 2003, involved a range of public awareness 2000 to improve co-ordination between local universal standards that are fundamental the Traveller community as an indigenous campaigns, the development of anti-racism government and local development, is made to any functioning democracy. community. resource packs, and also provided funding to up of 32 representatives from state agencies, local anti-racism initiatives. local government, social partners and local European Convention on Human International Convention relating development. Importantly, one of the issues Rights and Protocol No. 12 to to the Status of Refugees highlighted in the extensive consultation the European Convention on This Convention defines refugees and 1.2.3 The Local Level process undertaken to develop the Board’s Human Rights asylum seekers, the latter being those who Anti-racism initiatives are not a new ten-year strategy was the need for an In force in Ireland since 1953, the apply under the Convention to be development in Galway City, and the Equality and Anti-Racism Strategy for the convention obliges Ireland to ensure recognised as refugees. background to this strategy must firstly be city. This was subsequently included as a that each of the rights contained therein viewed in the context of the work of local specific action to be implemented as part of are protected, without discrimination, for World Conference Against Racism, groups, who have for many years been the strategy: all individuals within the jurisdiction of Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia actively challenging racism through different the state. and Related Intolerance Objective 1 measures. This can be seen in the work of The World Conference Against Racism, Increase the Understanding and Acceptance such groups as the Galway City Partnership, International Convention Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and of the Different Ethnic Groups in the City. Galway Travellers Support Group, Galway on the Elimination of Racial Related Intolerance (WCAR), was held in Action 1 Develop a Local Equality and Refugee Support Group, Galway One World Discrimination Durban, South Africa in September 2001 Anti-Racism Strategy10 Note 10 Centre, and Galway Peoples’ Resource Centre. Gaillimh Beo The International Convention on the under the aegis of the Office of the United Agus Bríomhar- Partnership at the local level was critical in With this level of commitment and Strategy for Note 11 Elimination of Racial Discrimination11 Nations High Commissioner for Human Economic, Social implementationThe of progressing the anti-racism and intercultural co-operation locally, Action for Equality - & Cultural (ICERD) is the main international Rights against a backdrop of continued ICERD is agenda in Galway, and ultimately, through Galway, with the support of Galway City Development monitored by the instrument governing international human racist discrimination and xenophobia 2002-2012, Committee on the Action for Equality - Galway, realising the Partnership and the Galway City Galway City Elimination of rights law’s approach to anti-racism. ‘despite efforts undertaken by the Development development of an anti-racism strategy for Development Board, took the initiative and Racial Under this Convention, States parties international community, Governments Board 2001, Discrimination 12 the city. This co-operative approach has successfully secured funding in December page 51 agree to prohibit and eliminate racial and local authorities’ . Note 12 (CERD). involved a wide range of organisations from 2002 from the KNOW RACISM Programme to discrimination in all its forms and to WCAR, Declaration the local development and community and develop Towards a City of Equals - Galway guarantee the right of everyone to equality Ireland participated in the WCAR and was voluntary sectors. City Anti-Racism Strategy. before the law with respect to the full a party to the Declaration and Programme range of rights set out in other human of Action. The WCAR named migrants, Galway City Partnership was the lead 1.3 LEGISLATIVE AND rights instruments. It supposes a strong refugees, and Travellers amongst the organisation in the development of Towards a obligation of action from the State to groups of people who experience racism City of Equals – Galway City Anti-Racism POLICY CONTEXT ensure non-discrimination and allows for and called on states to, ‘Establish and Strategy. The Partnership was established in affirmative action to ensure racial equality. implement without delay national policies 1996 to tackle disadvantage and combat social This section outlines the main international This latter approach is based on the idea and action plans to combat racism, racial exclusion in Galway City and currently and national legislation and policy documents that specifically vulnerable groups need discrimination, xenophobia and related operates the Local Development Social that make up the context of anti-racism work. special measures of protection to ensure intolerance, including their gender-based Inclusion Programme as part of the National For a more comprehensive outline refer to the equality in their treatment with respect to manifestations’13. Note 13 WCAR, Programme Development Plan. The company is made up supporting document Galway City Anti- the main group in society. of Action, of representatives from statutory agencies, Racism Strategy: A Legal Basis. It underlines the key role that politicians, Paragraph 66 community groups, social partners, and from Framework Convention on political parties, non-governmental locally elected representatives. Included in the National Minorities organisations, and the media can play in list of target groups that the Partnership 1.3.1 International Legislation International law has always addressed combating racism, racial discrimination, Note 14 works with are Travellers, refugees, asylum Universal Declaration of Human Rights the protection of minorities that live within xenophobia and related intolerance14 and ibid, Paragraph 115

seekers, and other ethnic minorities. Although not envisaged as a legally binding the borders of States. However, the the necessity for States to strengthen Note 15 instrument of international law, the Universal Framework Convention on National legislation to counter racism15. ibid, Paragraph 68.

10 11 1.3.2 Domestic Legislation The Act allows for affirmative action intended to be responsible for examining an application and Reform in 1998 as an expert body focusing on promote equality of opportunity for persons who that country agrees, the applicant will be racism and interculturalism. Functions of the Prohibition of Incitement to are, in relation to other persons, disadvantaged, transferred to that EU country for consideration. NCCRI include the provision of training on anti- Hatred Act, 1989 or who have been or are likely to be unable to racism awareness, information seminars on National and international NGO’s have raised Under the Prohibition of Incitement to Hatred avail themselves of the same opportunities as interculturalism, and advice to non-governmental several concerns regarding the Dublin Act, it is an offence to publish or distribute those other persons. organisations (NGOs) seeking funding. The Convention, in particular that the receiving state written material, to use words, behave or display institution performs an important advisory role to The Equality Act, 2004 is not required to guarantee that it will consider written material, or to distribute, show or play a government bodies. The Equality Act, 2004 amends both the the asylum claim substantively or that it will recording of visual images or sounds, if the Employment Equality Act, 1998 and the Equal respect the principle of non-refoulement. The Garda Racial and written material, words, behaviour, visual images Status Act, 2000, in line with three European Intercultural Office or sounds are threatening, abusive, insulting, and Council Directives on equality. The Act extends The Refugee Act 1996 was subsequently amended The Garda Racial and Intercultural Office was are intended to or, having regard to all the the definition of “employee” and “contract of by the Immigration Act 1999 and the Illegal established in 2000 and operates within the circumstances, are likely to stir up hatred. employment” in order that the Act may apply to Immigrants (Trafficking) Act 2000. The Community Relations Section. The office has a However, prosecution under this Act is very self-employed persons. Furthermore, the Act also Immigration Act 1999 regulates the deportation national remit with responsibility for the difficult due to the requirement that intention to extends the provisions of the Act to apply to of non-nationals and the detention of unsuccessful development and monitoring of the ‘stir up hatred’ must be proven and there have Partners and Partnerships. The Act amends the asylum seekers. The Illegal Immigrants implementation of organisational policies and been very few prosecutions under the Act. 1998 definition of discrimination, so that it (Trafficking) Act 2000 provides time limits for strategies, which deal with racial, ethnic, Employment Equality Act, 1998 mirrors the definition provided in the Equal judicial reviews, as well as criteria pertaining to religious and cultural diversity. Garda Ethnic detention. The Employment Equality Act 1998, which came Status Act, 2000. For the purposes of the 2004 Liaison Officers are appointed across the country into force in October 1999, prohibits Act discrimination is taken to occur where a to support people who have experienced racism 1.3.3 Domestic Mechanisms discrimination in employment on the basis of nine person is treated less favourably than another and to make proactive linkages with community Monitoring Human Rights grounds: person is, has been or would be treated in a and voluntary groups working closely with • Gender • Age comparable situation on any of the Irish Commission on Human Rights minority ethnic groups in their areas. • Marital status • Disability discriminatory grounds. The functions of the Irish Human Rights • Family status • Race Commission (IHRC), which works on an all-island Office of the Director of Equality 1.4 SUMMARY • Sexual orientation • Membership of the basis, are extensive and include reviewing Investigations • Religious belief Traveller Community legislation regarding human rights and making The Office of the Director of Equality recommendations to the Government on This section has looked at the social context, the Investigations addresses complaints under the The Employment Equality Act covers the measures it considers should be taken to rationale, and the legislative and policy contexts Equality legislation and has the power to issue workplace including recruitment, promotion, strengthen, protect and uphold human rights in that informed and directed Towards a City of legally binding decisions ordering compensation, working conditions, equal pay, advertisements, the State. Since its establishment in July of 2001, Equals - Galway City Anti-Racism Strategy. The equal pay, wage arrears, equal treatment or an dismissal and access to vocational training. the IHRC’s functioning has, however, been social context dictated the need for such a order that a person or persons take a specified The Act established the Equality Authority, seriously inhibited by a lack of resources. This is strategy that would accommodate and facilitate course of action. whose functions include the elimination of a cause for concern given the extensive functions the rise in diversity in Ireland and in Galway City, and tackle the issue of racism and racist discrimination in relation to employment, Equality Authority afforded to the IHRC and the dynamic role incidents. The rationale provided the backdrop the promotion of equality of opportunity, and The Equality Authority, provided for under the envisaged for that body. against which the strategy became the the provision of information. Equal Status Act 2000, provides services National Consultative Committee on mechanism to address these challenges. Finally, including legal advice, the promotion of equality Equal Status Act, 2000 Racism and Interculturalism the legislative and policy context provided the of opportunity legislation, research on equality The Equal Status Act 2000, which came into force The National Consultative Committee on Racism framework within which Towards a City of issues, and the dissemination of information on in October of that year, protects against and Interculturalism (NCCRI) was established by Equals - Galway City Anti-Racism Strategy had equality matters. discrimination on the nine grounds outlined the Department of Justice, Equality and Law to place itself. above in respect of the provision of goods and The Refugee Act, 1996 services, the disposal of premises and the The Refugee Act incorporates the 1951 Refugee provision of accommodation, and educational Convention into domestic Irish law and also establishments. The definition of discrimination incorporates the Dublin Convention. The Dublin is broader than the Employment Equality Act Convention, to which all EU States are parties, 1998, and it includes discrimination by provides a mechanism for determining which EU association and by imputation as well as direct state is responsible for examining an application and indirect discrimination. for refugee status. If another EU State is found to

12 13 Racism discrimination in the workplace and in • When institutions inadvertently relation to the trading of goods and services. discriminate against members of ethnic Consequently, a perpetrator of racism may minorities by failing to plan for their deny that their act is motivated by racism, diverse needs. although it clearly is. The term ‘new racism’ has emerged to explain the concept of denying Institutional racism was described by the 18 racism while at the same time practising Stephen Lawrence Inquiry (also known as Note 18 McPherson, W, racism, so for example, a Traveller may still the McPherson report) as: 1999. The Stephen be denied access to a social occasion because Lawrence Inquiry; ‘The collective failure of an Report of an they are a Traveller but the excuse that will organisation to provide an appropriate Inquiry by Sir be given will not mention the word Traveller. William and professional service to people McPherson of Rather the perpetrator will focus on the Cluny. London, the because of their colour, culture, or individual and name them as a troublemaker Stationery Office. ethnic origin. It can be seen or detected for instance. This gives the perpetrator the in processes, attitudes and behaviour ability to say that Travellers were not denied which amount to discrimination entrance and thus making it very difficult for through unwitting prejudice, that Traveller to make allegations of ignorance, thoughtlessness and racist discrimination based on racism. Section 2 stereotyping which disadvantage minority ethnic people’. Forms of Racism Generally speaking, there are two forms Therefore, institutional racism occurs of racism – individual racism and either when a person directly experiences institutional racism. Section Two of Towards a City of Equals - Galway City Anti-Racism racism when they attempt to use the Strategy looks at racism and presents the understanding of racism that • Individual racism services of an institution or when that underpins the strategy. It looks at the concept of racism, and at racism Racism experienced at an individual level institution fails to provide a culturally includes offensive acts or comments based appropriate service to ethnic minorities. and anti-racism in Ireland. on colour, religion, nationality, or ethnicity Institutional racism can severely limit life of the individual experiencing racism. choices and affect the health, well-being, 2.1 WHAT IS RACISM? understanding of racism that is used These acts and comments are designed to social status, employment prospects, etc. by Planning for Diversity - the National intimidate, insult or humiliate and can of those experiencing institutional racism. Action Plan Against Racism (2005) take the form of verbal abuse, attacks on Those who experience individual racism ‘Any distinction, exclusion, restriction and is the one adopted by Towards a the person, discrimination and prejudice. are also much more likely to experience or preference, based on colour, City of Equals - Galway City These attacks are harmful and painful. institutional racism, so there is a descent, national or ethnic origin, Anti-Racism Strategy. Sustained individual racism can be life cumulative affect on the person which has the purpose of modifying or changing. An emphasis on individual experiencing racism. impairing the recognition, the Racism is more than discrimination or racism and individual racist attacks, enjoyment or exercise on an equal prejudice, although it is both those things, however, tend to concentrate racism in footing of human rights and 2.2 RACISM IN IRELAND because it also involves the ideology of individuals and to depoliticise racism, fundamental freedom in the political, superiority and inferiority, and the power Note 17 i.e. to imply that society is not responsible economic, social, cultural or any other The concept of One of the myths that has gained common to act. This ideology is manifest in the different ‘races’ has for racism. field of public life constitutes racial been dismissed, currency in recent times is the myth that belief of some that they are superior to Note 19 16 although it is Note 16 discrimination’ . • Institutional Racism racism in Ireland only began when asylum For further reading others because of their skin colour, ethnic acknowledged that The UN on this issue read, International ‘racism’ continues to The theory of institutional racism applications increased and Ireland became a Convention on all 17 for example, Lentin, Racism is a specific form of discrimination origin , or religious belief, and that they exist and that people acknowledges, at least to an extent, that country of inward migration rather than Ronit and McVeigh, Forms of Racist experience racism on and exclusion faced by cultural and ethnic have to power to act negatively against Robbie, Racism and Discrimination the basis of ethnicity. society and the political system are emigration. However, this is not so. Racism is Anti-Racism in minorities. It is based on the false belief those they consider to be inferior. An ethnic group is a (1969) 19 Ireland, Beyond the group of people responsible for racism. Institutional racism not a new concept in Irish society ; rather it that some ‘races’ are inherently superior Pale, 2002 and sharing a collective can have two causes: has existed for many years within the Fanning, Bryan, identity based on a to others because of different skin colour, Racism is not a static concept; it is 2002, Racism and sense of common • When members of ethnic minority groups Government, the institutions of the State, the Social Change in the nationality, ethnic or cultural background. constantly evolving to circumvent the history and ancestry. are deliberately discriminated against Catholic Church and amongst the public. Republic of Ireland, Ethnic groups possess Racism denies people their basic human challenge posed to it by, for example, the Manchester their own culture, by institutions There is evidence to suggest that Irish society University Press. rights, equality, and respect. This is the equality legislation, which prohibits customs, norms, beliefs and traditions.

14 15 has always practised racism against the Forms of Racism in Ireland Travellers experience is rooted in jobs’. The reality is different. Although Traveller population and other minority A number of different forms of racism in racism. The Government, however, is it is true that the number of asylum groups, and comparisons have been drawn Ireland have been identified and these sending out contradictory messages on applications have increased, it is also between the experience of Protestant, have been incorporated into Planning For this issue. On the one hand, in its First true that Ireland started from a very Traveller and Jewish groups in the Diversity - the National Action Plan Report on the International Convention low base of only 39 applications in 1992. discrimination that they experienced. Against Racism: on the Elimination of All Forms of The following table show the actual • Racism experienced by Travellers on Racial Discrimination, the Government numbers of applications for asylum: The Prevalence of the basis of their distinct and deny that Travellers experience racism, Racism in Ireland nomadic identity. whilst on the other, in Planning for Table 1 Applications for Asylum 1992-2004 Individual and institutional racism exist in • Racism experienced by recent migrants, Diversity – the National Action Plan Note 24 24 contemporary Irish society and it is now which includes labour migrants, Against Racism the Government Applications 1992 39 Most applicants well documented that racism and racist refugees, asylum-seekers and overseas acknowledges that Travellers do suffer come from Nigeria, 1993 91 followed by acts are on the increase. A recent study students studying in Ireland. racism. Towards a City of Equals - Romania, Moldova, 1994 362 DR Congo, Czech highlights ‘the systematic abuse that black • Racism experienced by ‘people of colour’ Galway City Anti-Racism Strategy Republic and and ethnic minority groups continually and minority ethnic groups, including accepts that Travellers are a distinct 1995 424 Somalia. Between 3 and 4% of Note 20 20 21 face in Ireland’ . Another recent study black people, on the basis of their skin ethnic minority group and that applications for Dr. Steven Loyal 1996 1,179 showed that, despite the fact that many members of the Traveller community refugee status were and Dr. Aogán colour and ethnic and/or national granted in 2003. Mulcahy for people are reluctant to be seen as racist, identity, irrespective of their legal experience racism. 1997 3,883 Amnesty International in • 48% believed that Irish society is racist, status. Racism towards members of the 1998 4,626 2001, Racism in Ireland: The Views compared to 20% who do not believe • Racism experienced by Jews and Traveller community is arguably the 1999 7,724 of Black and Ethnic that Irish society is racist Muslims in the form of anti Semitism most prevalent, ingrained, and accepted Minorities, p. 17 (sample of 622 • 18% of all respondents had witnessed and Islamophobia. form of racism in Ireland. It is also the 2000 10,938 members of ethnic racist behaviour, 80% of which was in • The intersection between racism and least resistant to social censure. The minorities). 2001 10,325 22 Note 22 Note 23 23 Note 21 the form of verbal abuse and 15% of other forms of discrimination . Millward Brown IMS , research found This last form was Millward Brown Millward Brown 2002 11,634 IMS, 2004, Opinions which was in the form of physical recognised by the IMS, 2004, that: WCAR in Paragraph 2 Opinions on on Racism and abuse. It also found that • Racism experienced by Travellers • 13% of all respondents disagreed 2003 7,900 of the Declaration Racism and Attitudes to • 37% of respondents disagreed that ‘We recognise that that the Traveller community should Minority Groups, In the Ireland of today, the Traveller Attitudes to 2004 4,766 racism, racial Minority Groups, Know Racism ethnic groups make a positive cultural community continues to experience high discrimination, Know Racism have the same rights as the settled contribution to Irish society; levels of discrimination, racism, social xenophobia and community Source: The Office of the Refugee Applications related intolerance Commissioner, 2004 • 51% agree that ethnic groups are taking exclusion and disadvantage – a situation occur on the grounds • 23% disagreed that the nomadic way jobs from the Irish that has led to Travellers suffering ‘poor of race, colour, of life and culture of the Traveller descent or ethnic The growth in the numbers of recent • 30% disagree that most asylum seekers health on a level which compares so origin and that community should be preserved migrants in Ireland has been are genuine i.e. they are fleeing unfavourably with the settled victims can suffer • 68% disagreed that there is no multiple or accompanied by increasing incidences persecution community that it would probably be aggravated forms of discrimination against the Traveller discrimination based of racial discrimination, and since the • 54% agree that most asylum seekers are unacceptable to any section thereof. community and on other related late 1990’s, the issue of racism against abusing the asylum system and are Travellers die at a younger age than the grounds such as sex, • 48% disagreed that the Traveller language, religion, recent migrants has been increasing really economic migrants population in general’ (Traveller Health, political or other community make a positive in public and political discourse and in • 68% agree that there are too many A National Strategy, Department of opinion, social origin, contribution to Irish society. property, birth or the media. asylum seekers in the country Health and Children, 2002). Travellers other status’. • 80% agree that asylum seekers put also have a high rate of unemployment, • Recent migrants In 2000 and 2001, a total of 50,823 pressure on essential services such as low educational attainment and are Until relatively recently refugees, work permits were granted to non-EU housing and health and therefore, one of the sectors in society asylum seekers, migrant workers, or nationals and up to 31st October a total • 60% agree that the presence of so most at risk of poverty and students from overseas were rarely of 28,707 work permits were issued in many minority groups does make ‘me’ disadvantage. spoken about. Now, the general 2004. It is well known anecdotally that feel insecure. perception, often fuelled by the migrant workers experience racism and However, whilst it is generally agreed language used by the media such as discrimination, often at the hands of This portrays a society where a substantial that Travellers are disadvantaged, the ‘flood’, ‘influx’ and ‘deluge’, is that their employers. The NCCRI stated in Note 25 number of people are not positively reason for their disadvantage is not Ireland is being overwhelmed by huge NCCRI, Reported 200325 that it was ‘deeply concerned’ disposed to ethnic minorities and that unanimously accepted. Travellers and numbers of refugees and asylum Incidents Relating that migrant workers have expressed to Racism: many myths remain to be challenged. Traveller representative organisations seekers that are ‘putting the services of November 2002 - fears about losing their work permits if April 2003. state that the discrimination that the state under strain’ and ‘taking Irish

16 17 they complain about racist incidents institutions, the Catholic Church challenge that the issue of multiple long-term health problems, including and that this is preventing them from and amongst the public, and many discrimination poses is to view all mental health problems; relocation of so doing. would argue that Jewish people people as individuals with individual homes by those who have experienced continue to experience racism in needs and rights and to ensure that racism, sometimes to another country31. Note 31 Watt, Philip, 2004. The most recent challenge with regard contemporary Ireland. these needs are met by the institutions It can also cause low self-esteem, low Responding Effectively to to migrant workers comes as a result of of the State. This can be further self-worth, restrict life chances and Racist Incidents. Paper to the Conference on the enlargement of the European Union. It is clear that Islamophobia in Ireland developed to state that the collective reduce expectations in relation to Combating Racism and Promoting Equality Workers from the fifteen accession is reflecting worldwide trends and is on needs of members of minority groups education, employment and health through Legislation states are free to come and work in the increase. Muslim people have to deal must also be met by the State and its status. It can result in people being Ireland but are not entitled to social with the added disadvantage of being institutions and thereby it also poses a ‘othered’ and being taught that they do welfare support, should they find linked with the attacks on the World challenge to institutional racism. not belong. themselves unemployed for any period. Trade Centre in America on September There is increasing evidence to suggest 11th 2001, and the attention focused on Inter-ethnic discrimination Racism has an effect, not only on the that workers from these countries are them as a result of the ‘war on terror’. The issue of inter-ethnic discrimination individual experiencing racism but also being exploited and are experiencing Muslims, especially Muslim women, also must not be ignored, as it is an collectively on whole groups who

high levels of racism but feel powerless tend to be visible in their distinctive emerging phenomenon in Irish society. experience racism. These effects can Note 32 to act because of the vulnerable position dress and that can make them an easier An opportune time now exists to include an increased risk of living in Frazer, Hugh, 2001, Racism, Poverty and they find themselves in. focus for negative racist attention. In an challenge this new type of racism by poverty, an increased risk of being Community Development article in the Irish Times29, Karima Zahi Note 29 consistently challenging misleading and unemployed or being in low-skilled in Farrell, Fintan and Watt, Thursday November Philip, 2001, Responding Note 26 • ‘People of Colour’26 and other who works with the Northern Ireland 11th, 2004 inaccurate information. employment, an increased risk of poor to Racism in Ireland, The term ‘People Veritas Publications of Colour’ is used ethnic minorities Council for Ethnic Minorities said she education attainment and an increased here as it is the There is little written about the distinct found the recent rise in Islamophobic Where does racism take place? risk of a poor health status at collective Note 33 terminology used For the purposes of Note 30 30 by the National experience of being black and Irish but sentiment ‘extremely alarming’. She also The Amnesty International research group level. calculating the Loyal, Steven and Unemployment Rate, the Action Plan Against Racism. what is written emphasises the fact that said that she fully accepted that there Mulcahy, Aogán, found that most racist incidents took CSO classifies the 2001, Racism in population aged 15 years black Irish people never felt fully had been a regression in the fight Ireland: The Views of place in public spaces, with: Poverty and over as either inside 27 Note 27 accepted in Irish society. A study in against racism. Black and Ethnic • 44% of incidents taking place on A clear link has been drawn between or outside the Labour Minorities, Amnesty Casey, Sinéad and 2000 focused on a sample of 146 people the street poverty and racism32. This is borne out Force. The Labour Force International consists of those who are O’Connell, Michael, 2000, ‘of colour’ in Ireland. It found that 64.2% • The intersection of racism with (Irish Section) • 24% in shops by the National Anti-Poverty Strategy, at work, unemployed or Pain and Prejudice seeking regular work for had experienced outright racist insults other forms of discrimination • 23% in pubs which cites Travellers, Migrants, and Assessing the the first time. Those Experience of and 45.8% had experienced racist jokes Identity and multiple identities are only • 20% on buses and in taxis Members of Ethnic Minority Groups as outside the Labour Force Racism in Ireland are those who are in Malcolm or snide remarks. The same study now becoming a focus for research and • 19% from neighbours groups vulnerable to poverty and students, those looking MacLachlan and showed a direct correlation between the discussion in Ireland. Up until relatively • 17% in banks disadvantage. Therefore, it would seem after home/family, those Michael O’Connell, who are retired, those Cultivating amount of racism experienced by the recently, racism, and discrimination on • 14% with regard to housing logical for anti-racism work to be clearly who are unable to work Pluralism, Oak and those not in the Tree Press, 2000, minority individual and their the grounds of gender; age; marital • 14% in school linked to more general work against Labour Force for other unspecified reasons. The page 35 psychological distress. status; family status; disability; race; • 5% at the cinema. poverty and social exclusion. Unemployment Rate is sexual orientation; Traveller and religion then calculated as the sum Six per cent of the sample for the (i.e. the nine grounds covered by the The same research found it ‘alarming’ Employment and Unemployment of those unemployed and those seeking their first Note 28 Amnesty International28 research study equality legislation) were considered to that 25% of racist incidents reported by Members of minority ethnic groups are job as a percentage of the Loyal, Steven and labour force. Mulcahy, Aogán, was made up of black Irish people. Of be separate. There is increasing evidence respondents were at the hands of the found to have very high rates of Note 34 2001, Racism in those, 90% said they had experienced to suggest that many members of ethnic Gardaí, the second highest source of unemployment. For example, the Kenny, Catherine, 2002, Ireland: The Views Asylum Seekers in Galway of Black and Ethnic some degree of racism. The report of the minorities can suffer discrimination on racist incidents overall. The research unemployment rate33 for Travellers far and the Right to Work. Galway Refugee Support Minorities, study states that ‘many black people, more than one ground, so that a woman also highlighted the fact that 20% of exceeds that of the overall population Group; Faughnan, Pauline Amnesty International (Irish including black Irish and others, are from a minority group, a disabled person respondents said they experienced racist (see Chart 3). Despite the fact that and Woods, Mairide, Section), page 16 2000, Lives on Hold: 34 (sample of 622 stigmatised because of their skin colour from a minority group or a gay or abuse from employers. studies have shown a high educational Seeking Asylum in Ireland. members of ethnic which takes on a symbolic significance lesbian person from a minority group standard amongst their group, asylum Social Science Research minorities). Centre, University College along with their accent, dress, etc.’. can suffer multiple discriminations. Effects of Racism seekers are not allowed to access the Dublin. and Ugba, Abel, (Unpublished) 2004. A The effects of racism on the individual labour market at all and there is quantitative profile • Anti-Semitism and Islamophobia People who experience multiple are myriad. Racism against the anecdotal evidence to suggest that when analysis of African immigrants in 21st Historically, Jewish people experienced discrimination experience even more individual can result in loss of life and members of minority ethnic groups do Century Dublin. Research racism in Ireland at the hands of State isolation and associated problems. The serious personal injury; criminal damage gain employment, it is almost always in carried out for Mphil in Ethnic and Racial Studies, to property, including to homes; low paid, unskilled, manual employment. Department of Sociology, Trinity College Dublin.

18 19 Chart 3 Unemployment Rate suggest that ethnic minorities are often 2.3 ANTI-RACISM that, according to the NPAR, ‘is subjected to racial abuse by neighbours essentially about interaction, Comparison of Unemployment Rates - IN IRELAND Traveller and Overall Population and the NCCRI have reported on a understanding and respect. It is about

80 number of incidents in relation to ethnic ensuring that cultural diversity is 36 Note 36 70 minorities and accommodation . ‘Building an anti-racist Ireland is not acknowledged and catered for. It is about See various NCCRI 60 Reported Incidents only in the interests of people of inclusion for minority ethnic groups by 50 The provision, or lack thereof, of culturally Relating to Racism. colour and refugees and Travellers design and planning, not as a default or 40 Galway City appropriate accommodation for members but also in those of everyone who add-on. It further acknowledges that 30 Overall Population 20 of the Traveller community is the subject believes in democracy and equality people should have the freedom to keep 40 10 Galway City of ongoing concern. Travellers are often Note 40 and human rights’. alive, enhance and share their cultural McVeigh, Robbie, Traveller Population 2002. Is there an Irish 41 Note 41 10% 77% subjected to racial abuse both at an heritage’ . Note 37 anti-racism? Building NPAR p.7. Source: Census 2002 individual and institutional level in See for example, Heron, an anti-racist Ireland Until relatively recently anti-racism work relation to accommodation, and the poor S., Barry, J., Fitzgerald, in Racism and Anti- in Ireland was the almost sole arena of A practical example of ‘real’ Employment dictates income and income M., MacLachlan, M., Racism in Ireland, health status of Travellers has been linked 2000, The Psychosocial Beyond the Pale, 2002 the community and voluntary sector, most interculturalism would be one that is is one of the main dictates of monetary to their poor accommodation status37. Health of Irish Traveller notably carried out by organisations extrapolated from the writing of John comfort. When people are excluded from Mothers in Malcolm MacLachlan and working with the Traveller community. O’Connell42: Note 42 employment or relegated to particular Michael O’Connell, O’Connell, John, Health This is now changing. There is an a) Focusing on ethnic and cultural forms of employment because of racism, Cultivating Pluralism, 1994. Reach Out: There is increasing evidence to suggest Oak Tree Press, 2000. increasingly diverse range of community activities while acknowledging power Report of the it severely limits their life choices. Dublin Traveller that there is a link between poor health groups, voluntary groups and NGO’s and racism as major obstacles; Education Development and racism38. Accessing health services is Note 38 working in the area of anti-racism. b) Targeting everybody regardless of Education See for example, Group on the a challenge for those who do not speak Casey, Sinéad and State involvement and involvement by whether or not they are in a ’Poverty 3’ Education is one of the most important Programme. English in this country. Historically, O’Connell, Michael, the Catholic and other churches is multi-ethnic scenario. ways through which racism can be 2000, Pain and Dublin, Pavee Travellers have been consistently failed Prejudice Assessing also increasing. The increase in anti- Point, p. 59 challenged and a more inclusive society by the health services. This is borne out the Experience of racism work is reflective of the increase Planning for Diversity advocates a ‘whole developed, and there are a number of Racism in Ireland in by the health statistics associated with Malcolm MacLachlan in racist incidents in Ireland over the systems approach’ to the implementation policy initiatives taking place that are and Michael the Traveller community. However past 5-10 years. of the NPAR, which essentially means relevant to building an intercultural O’Connell, Cultivating inadvertent, failure to ensure that services Pluralism, Oak Tree that all the systems of society and the Note 28 dimension into education policy35. Press, 2000 Planning for are accessible to all communities amounts Planning for Diversity – The National State will be expected to accommodate Diversity, p. 104 However, there is evidence to suggest that to racism and exclusion. Action Plan Against Racism 2005-2008 diversity and challenge racism in the Travellers, for example, have been now provides the framework for anti- endeavour to achieve a truly intercultural consistently failed by the education Justice racism in Ireland. The NPAR emphasises Ireland. Towards A City of Equals – system and often leave school early with There is evidence to suggest that an the notion of interculturalism, a notion Galway City Anti-Racism Strategy literacy difficulties. Although there is no increasing number of ethnic minorities are also promoted by the European acknowledges the importance of the NPAR information on the experience of other coming into contact with the Justice Commission in its approach to and the strategic direction that it will give minority groups in relation to education, system, i.e. the Gardaí and the Courts. anti-racism. Interculturalism is a term to anti-racism work in Galway. there can be no doubt that if the education An Irish Times article39 quotes the Irish Note 39 system is not designed to reflect diversity Irish Times dated Prison Service annual report for 2003, in contemporary Ireland, ethnic minority 22-12-2004 which stated that foreign nationals children will underachieve in the made up 25% of jail committals in 2003, education system. 79% of whom were detained under immigration law. Accommodation Access to accommodation is often much There is anecdotal evidence to suggest more difficult for members of ethnic that Travellers are more likely to find minorities than for members of the themselves coming into contact with the majority group. Racist attitudes of Justice system than their settled property owners towards non-nationals counterparts and that when they do they looking for rented accommodation are are subject to racist behaviours by the often cited. Anecdotal evidence would Gardaí and the Judiciary.

20 21 of racism. These discussions were with a group Accommodation Galway City of Travellers and two groups of asylum seekers According to the Traveller participants, the (one participant had refugee status). principal example of institutional racism for Travellers came in relation to accommodation. Note 44 Experience of Racism44 Participants reported a sense of powerlessness The quotes presented in this All participants were in agreement that racism when it came to accommodation and a section are taken directly from the and discrimination were problems in Galway belief that Galway City Council would participants of focus groups undertaken City. The Traveller participants reported that never offer a settled person the same with ethnic for them racism and discrimination manifested standard of accommodation: minorities as part as not being able to access services because of the strategy’s ‘No choice for Travellers where they research andthey were Travellers, being followed around want to live’ consultations.shops, being prejudged, being wrongfully accused, unable to socialise in groups, getting ‘Sometimes Travellers are forced on to a site dirty looks. instead of a house’

‘Not getting into places - pubs, shops, They also reported that where barriers exist at weddings’. the entrance to a halting site a key is not always available on site, which makes access ‘Getting blamed in the wrong’ for the emergency services impossible. ‘Travellers can’t go out in groups – owners make The fact that the City Council tends to Section 3 an excuse not to serve them’ intervene more in Travellers accommodation was mentioned. The asylum seeker participants placed the ‘Corporation tend to interfere with Travellers’ 3.1 RACISM IN employed to work in a house in Galway City responsibility for racism and discrimination business more than settled people’. GALWAY CITY is highlighted. Her experience highlighted the against their communities on the Government exploitation of migrant workers and shows and on the policy that does not allow asylum For the asylum seeker participants the that this exploitation happens in Galway as seekers to work. problems in relation to accommodation have There is little specific information available well as elsewhere in the country. Despite this, more to do with the private rented sector. on racism in Galway City. There is no way of ‘People are forced into the welfare system. there is no evidence to suggest that Galway Participants reported discrimination in trying knowing whether and to what extent racism Trained, qualified people are left redundant City is either ‘worse’ or ‘better’ than the to access private rented accommodation. exists in Galway City, and by whom and how national picture in relation to racism. in society’ racism is experienced. Most, if not all, ‘Landlords say that the places are gone They also report being followed around shops, research carried out on the issue of racism is and with property agencies you have no Locally, newspaper files and Racist Incident dirty looks and negative body language. In carried out on a national level and it is not chance at all’. Logs kept by organisations working with addition, they report receiving hate mail, name possible to disaggregate or break down this ethnic minority groups show that racism and calling in the street and intimidation and ‘Landlords think, “they’ll ruin the property”’. information to the local level. incidents motivated by racism seem to be on harassment from neighbours. There were many problems with the the increase in Galway City. Discrimination policy of direct provision and hostel However, the NCCRI have recorded a number against members of ethnic minority groups is Work/Employment accommodation reported. of racist incidents that have occurred in regular in relation to accommodation and Traveller participants spoke of their inability to • Lack of privacy. Galway City. In their Reported Incidents accessing services. Incidents such as hate gain employment, • Strangers forced to share rooms. Relating to Racism, November 2003 – April mail and racist graffiti is also a common • Adults forced to share rooms with 2004, the NCCRI report that a Nigerian occurrence. Anecdotally, it is suggested that ‘Travellers have to hide their identity their teenage children. candidate for local elections in Galway City Islamophobia is a particular form of racism to get work’, • Food unsuitable to people, particularly received hateful and abusive mail, asking her that is on the increase in Galway City. and said that if they did get a job, it was doing children. ‘Children are getting sick and Note 43 to return to her own country. In the same O’Donoghue, work that nobody else wanted to do. they are just not eating’ Siobhán, 2004. document, it is reported that in March 2004 a The qualitative study carried out for Towards Private Homes: A • Enforced idleness. house for rent advertisement in a local a City of Equals - Galway City Anti-Racism Asylum seeker participants stated that work Public Concern – • Deliberate policy of relocating people. The Experience of Galway City based newspaper had stipulated Strategy gives some idea of the nature and and employment was not really an issue for Twenty Migrant • The allowance of €19.10 per week is Women Employed that ‘no coloured’ need apply. In research on extent of racism in Galway City. For this them, because, as Asylum Seekers, they are not in the Private Home migrant women and employment43, the allowed to work. However, participants said not nearly enough for basic needs. in Ireland. Migrant study a number of focus group discussions experience of a woman from the Philippines that people with (refugee) status still find it • Children are growing up not having Rights Centre were held with groups considered to be at risk hard to find work. ever seen a kitchen.

22 23 Education Effects of Racism • Increase in the violence against women • There should be a black newsreader on RTÉ. Traveller participants reported different Traveller participants reported a wide range of because of the stress caused by living • Supportive people should be encouraged experiences stating that discrimination occurs in effects of discrimination on them. conditions. This also affects the children to say positive things and to challenge some schools but not in others. The experience of • Racism affects women more than men – racism when they see it. • People feel a sense of nervousness individual teachers also differed, with some and black women most of all. • Parents should be encouraged to going anywhere. teachers being good to Traveller children and educate their children. • Traveller women are discriminated some not. What can be done? • There should be an anti-racist symbol. against more than the men. When asked what can be done to reduce the • There should be events for children of • People avoid going out. Asylum seeker participants reported that children levels of racism and discrimination experienced different nationalities to mix outside of • If they do go out and manage to get into are called names in schools. In addition, they said by Travellers, participants suggested: school – these need to be advertised well. a pub, they’re afraid to go to the bar. that some teachers were just not interested in • Education and public awareness • Schools should acknowledge that they are ‘It makes you feel small’ meeting the challenge of teaching a child who’s of Traveller culture multi-cultural and celebrate diversity. • Developing coping mechanisms - participants first language is not English. However, others • Quick action on complaints about • More intensive English classes are need. reported having to ensure that the reported very good experiences of teachers. One discrimination and racism. ‘The City Council – up to now they have closed management allowed Travellers in if they woman reported that she found that other • Strengthen the legislation (Equal Status Act). their eyes – its time to admit that we’re here and were going anywhere, even to a meeting. parents stopped talking when she approached. • An advertising campaign portraying do something about it. Local politicians should • Affects the health of Travellers – participants Travellers in a positive light. give a positive message.’ reported a high incidence of depression. Health • Traveller children tend to leave school early Amongst the participants in the Travellers focus Asylum seeker participants suggested: because they have no job opportunities. 3.2 ANTI-RACISM IN group, there was general consensus that the • Locals need to be educated into understanding • There is a higher than normal rate of suicide health services were very bad, but participants that the world is a global village. GALWAY CITY amongst Travellers, especially young stated that they did not believe that ‘Misinformation should be challenged’. Traveller men. discrimination occurred in the hospitals in • The authorities need to expedite applications Anti-racism work in Galway has been going on for • Travellers die younger than the settled Galway City. Similarly, with GP’s the for refugee status and the process many years amongst organisations and services community. There were three participants did not report any bad experiences. of integration. whose target group are those who experience inter-linked reasons given for this: • ‘Work permits should be separate to issue of racism and other more general organisations who • Experiences of discrimination and racism Asylum seeker participants reported that their residency. People should be allowed to work – target those experiencing racism as one of a • Inadequate accommodation experience of GP’s was generally not good, then they will mix with Irish people and there number of target groups. Examples of the former • Subsequent bad health. ‘the GP does not listen’, and that there are often will be opportunities to integrate’. include, the Galway Travellers Support Group, translation difficulties – ‘its impossible to explain ‘The government should be showing leadership’. the Galway Refugee Support Group, the Refugee Asylum seeker participants reported the what is wrong when you do not speak the ‘Ireland is still in denial about being a Information Service, the Refugee Legal Service, following effects: language’. multi-cultural society – trying to frustrate Galway One World Centre, and the Support • The development of coping mechanisms people into going home. We should start looking Project for Asylum Seeker and Refugee Kids Justice – for example, people in private rented at the Ireland of the future and shape (SPARK). Examples of the latter include, Galway Traveller participants reported that Travellers, accommodation try to arrange to live policies positively’. City Partnership and Galway Peoples’ Resource especially young Traveller men, do face close together. • Employment policies should promote Centre and an umbrella group, Action for discrimination and racist attitudes from members • Depression equal opportunities. Equality - Galway is active in this sphere. Anti- of the Garda Síochána. These attitudes manifest • Marital problems as a result of enforced • People from ethnic minority groups should be racism also features in the work of the Galway themselves in racist name calling and idleness and spouses spending too portrayed in television storylines. City Development Board. unfavourable treatment because of being a much time together. Traveller. Similarly, participants felt that the ‘Enforced idleness is mental torture. It courts discriminated against Travellers. leads to resentment of Refugees amongst the Irish and racist attitudes in society.’ Asylum seeker participants did have ‘Disabling a productive community – some experience of the Gardaí and some changes people’s attitudes to themselves of the experiences were of racist remarks – a new view of oneself emerges’. from the Gardaí.

24 25 4.2 INTERCULTURAL The role of community development Action Plan FRAMEWORK OF THE GALWAY CITY Community development, encompassing as it ANTI-RACISM STRATEGY does a number of different strategies, is the ideal approach in the challenge to welcome diversity, eliminate racism and promote interculturalism. The Galway City Anti-Racism Strategy has Community development is about working from adopted the five strategic objectives of the NPAR the ground up and starting from a critical as five themes under which the actions will be analysis of the situation those who are presented. These five themes are as follows: experiencing racism find themselves in. Community development encompasses the Theme 1 Protection principle of participation, so that the work is Enhancing protection about engaging and facilitating members of against racism. minority groups in the fight against racism and discrimination. Community development is about Theme 2 Inclusion engaging the collective as well as individuals and Ensuring economic inclusion facilitating the development of solidarity within and equality. and between minority groups.

Section 4 Theme 3 Provision Community development is also about working Accommodating cultural diversity at a macro level to influence policy changes. in service provision. This work needs to be informed by work on the Towards a City of Equals - Galway City Anti-Racism Strategy 2005-2008 ground and reliable, current information and Theme 4 Recognition data, at present extremely scarce, is vital. Recognition and awareness Community development is about networking 4.1 PREAMBLE Towards a City of Equals - Galway of cultural diversity and racism. and making links so that anti-racism work City Anti-Racism Strategy becomes intrinsically linked with wider anti- Theme 5 Participation poverty and equality work, so that proofing This section of Towards a City of Equals - Enhancing the participation of mechanisms are used in all policy developments Galway City Anti-Racism Strategy presents the Vision cultural and ethnic minorities to ensure they will not negatively impact on Action Plan through which the strategy will Galway City - An Intercultural City Free in Irish society. minority groups. achieve its vision. In order to achieve this vision, of Racism - Let’s Do It! Galway City – An Intercultural City free of Community Development will be central to Racism, the strategy has adopted the approach 4.3 IMPLEMENTATION Mission the approach of the implementation of of Planning for Diversity: The National Action Towards a City of Equals – Galway City Plan Against Racism, which emphasises the To eliminate racism from Galway City. In order to effectively welcome diversity, Anti-Racism Strategy. need to ‘include diversity by design’. Essentially eliminate racism and promote interculturalism this means that diversity has to be included in Aim what is needed is a multi-dimensional, Implementation Structures the design of all aspects of society, not just as To welcome diversity, eliminate racism, multi-organisational approach that is adopted an add-on or an afterthought when diversity by civic leaders, politicians and voluntary and 1. Management and promote interculturalism. presents itself. This is the true meaning of community groups. The World Conference Towards a City of Equals – Galway City Interculturalism, which Towards a City of Against Racism assigns special importance to Anti-Racism Strategy will be implemented by Equals - Galway City Anti-Racism the role of politicians, NGO’s (community and Galway City Partnership. It will be managed by Strategy espouses. voluntary sector), civil society, and the media a Steering Committee within the Community as key actors in any campaign against racism. Development measure, to be called the Anti- In addition, this strategy emphasises the Racism Steering Committee, which will be important role to be played by statutory answerable to the Board of Galway City agencies, social partners, local development Partnership. The Anti-Racism Steering agencies, and local government. Committee will include representatives of the Galway City Partnership Community

26 27 Development Subcommittee, representatives of the 3. Staff organisations participating in the implementation A team will be employed to implement Towards a THEME ONE Protection of the strategy and an official representative of the City of Equals – Galway City Anti-Racism Enhancing protection against racism. Social Inclusion Group, who will be the link person Strategy. The team will be answerable to the between the Anti-Racism Steering Committee and Manager of the Galway City Partnership and Objective 1.1 the Social Inclusion Group, and through the latter report to the Anti-Racism Steering Committee. to the Galway City Development Board. At least To ensure adequate protection and legal redress for those experiencing racism in Galway City 50% of the Anti-Racism Steering Committee will 4. Monitoring and Evaluation be made up of representatives of minority ethnic The implementation of Towards a City of Equals – STRATEGIC ACTION ESSENTIAL PARTNERS GOAL groups. They will be nominated by the Galway City Anti-Racism Strategy will be Intercultural Community Forum (see Action 5.1.2). monitored on an ongoing basis. An evaluation 1.1.1 Information on Rights • Irish Centre for Human Rights • To increase the awareness of legal The production and dissemination of • Galway City Partnership rights for people who experience racism strategy will be designed as part of the information leaflets covering the full • An Garda Síochána • To produce and disseminate Because of the wide-ranging nature of this implementation phase. legal rights of those who have • Garda Racial & Intercultural Office information leaflets strategy, it was agreed that a detailed experienced racism, and practical • Galway Travellers Support Group • To increase the incidence of the Implementation Plan for each year of the information regarding the reporting • Galway Refugee Support Group reporting of racist incidents and crimes of racist incidents and legal redress. • Galway Peoples’ Resource Centre strategy would be drawn up as the first priority • Citizens Information Centre on commencement of the implementation phase • Refugee Information Service of the strategy.

1.1.2 Policing Racism • An Garda Síochána • To strengthen local Garda response 2. Partners Work at local level to ensure best • Garda Racial & Intercultural Office mechanisms to racist crimes The Working Group acknowledges the importance practice in response procedures to • Garda Ethnic Liasion Officer • To increase protection for the people of the partnership approach to the implementation racist crime in all its forms. • Galway City Partnership who experience racism • Irish Centre for Human Rights • To increase confidence in the of this strategy. It is expected that all • Galway Travellers Support Group criminal justice system organisations taking part in the implementation of • Galway Refugee Support Group • To maximise the potential of local the strategy subscribe to the understanding of • Galway Peoples’ Resource Centre joint policing initiatives racism outlined in section two. In the context of this strategy, Partners are defined as follows: 1.1.3 Racism Log • Galway Peoples’ Resource Centre • To establish a monitoring Essential Partners: Develop effective monitoring and • Galway Travellers Support Group mechanism locally An Essential Partner is defined as one of a team analysis of data on racist incidents • Galway Refugee Support Group • To increase the reporting of racist • Galway One World Centre incidents and crimes of partners with expertise in the named area • An Garda Síochána Ethnic Liaison Office • To compile data on the number of responsible for the implementation of named • Refugee Information Service racist incidents in Galway City action(s) in Towards a City of Equals – Galway City Anti-Racism Strategy. Lead Partner: A Lead Partner is defined as the partner assigned the directive role in the implementation of a named action(s). This partner will be responsible to the Steering Committee for the implementation of this action(s). Lead Partners for each action are listed first and highlighted in bold in the Action Plan. Support Partners: A Support Partner is assigned the role of supporting the Lead Partner in the ‘Ireland is still in denial about being a multi- implementation of named action(s).The lists of Partners presented are not designed to cultural society – trying to frustrate people into be indicative and other partners may be going home. We should start looking at the Ireland identified throughout the implementation of the future and shape policies positively’. stage of the strategy.

28 29 THEME ONE Protection THEME TWO Inclusion Enhancing protection against racism. Ensuring economic inclusion and equality.

Objective 1.2 Objective 2.1 To create the appropriate environment for challenging racism and To facilitate the development of an intercultural ethos in all local promoting interculturalism locally, nationally and at EU level organisations in the public, private and voluntary sectors

STRATEGIC ACTION ESSENTIAL PARTNERS GOAL STRATEGIC ACTION ESSENTIAL PARTNERS GOAL

1.2.1 A monitoring mechanism • Galway City Partnership • To have a recording, rapid response and 2.1.1 Plan by Design • Galway City Partnership • To design and promote the against racism • Galway City Council monitoring system in place to combat To promote a ‘Plan by Design’ • Galway One World Centre implementation of the ‘Plan by To establish a monitoring and rapid • Irish Centre for Human Rights incidents of racism and incitement to approach to accommodating diversity • Galway Travellers Support Group Design’ approach response system to identify racist • Garda Ethnic Liasion Officer racism in such forms as graffiti, by organisations and institutions as • Galway Refugee Support Group acts, other than those against the publications, hate speeches, etc. outlined in Planning for Diversity • Galway Peoples’ Resource Centre person, and bring them to the • Galway Chamber of Commerce attention of the relevant authorities & Industry • Trade Unions • Irish Business & Employers 1.2.2 National Action Plan • Galway City Partnership • To contribute to the successful Confederation Against Racism • Galway City Council implementationDiversity – the Nationalof Planning Action for Plan To facilitate the implementation • Irish Centre for Human Rights Against Racism 2.1.2 Research Initiative • Galway City Partnership • To establish research partnerships with of Planning for Diversity – the • Galway City Community Forum Establish a formal research • Irish Centre for Human Rights research entities locally National Action Plan Against • Galway City Development Board initiative to undertake primary • Galway One World Centre • To conduct research studies at local level Racismat local level research on local ethnic minorities • Galway Travellers Support Group • Improved understanding of the needs and immigrants • Galway Refugee Support Group and challenges facing minority groups • Galway Peoples’ Resource Centre • Improved local policy responses to the 1.2.3 Anti-racism policies • Galway City Partnership • To influence the development of • Refugee Information Service needs of ethnic minorities and immigrants and legislation • Galway City Council appropriate policies and legislation • Refugee Legal Service To make submissions on national • Irish Centre for Human Rights • NUI, Galway policy and legislation as appropriate • Galway City Community Forum • Health Service Executive WR • Galway City Development Board

2.1.3 Anti-Racism • Galway City Partnership • To design and promote the 1.2.4 EU Cities Against • Galway City Partnership • To have the EU Cities Against Racism Visibility Initiative • Galway One World Centre implementation of anti-racism training. Racism Initiative • Galway City Council Initiative adopted and appropriate actions a. Design and implement equality • Galway Travellers Support Group • To produce the Intercultural Toolkit Galway City Council to sign up to • Galway Travellers Support Group implemented by Galway City Council and diversity training that • Galway Refugee Support Group • To develop an Anti-Racism Mark for the EU Cities against Racism • Galway Refugee Support Group includes a focus on racism and • Galway Peoples’ Resource Centre local organisations Initiative and to implement the • Galway One World Centre interculturalism • Galway Chamber of Commerce • To increase the number of organisations appropriate actions from the 10 b. Develop an Intercultural Toolkit & Industry promoting interculturalism locally Point Plan of Action as an anti-racism resource for • Trade Unions local organisations • Irish Business & c. Develop an Anti-Racism / Employers Confederation Intercultural Mark to be displayed • Galway City Development Board publicly by organisations that • FÁS implement anti-racism and intercultural measures in their organisations.

2.1.4 Anti-racism in the • Galway City Partnership • To increase the number of organisations Workplace Week • Galway One World Centre taking part in Anti-Racism in the To promote Anti-Racism in the • Galway Travellers Support Group Workplace Week Workplace Week • Galway Refugee Support Group • Galway Peoples’ Resource Centre • Chamber of Commerce & Industry • Trade Unions • Irish Business & Employers Confederation • FÁS • All education providers

30 31 THEME TWO Inclusion THEME THREE Provision Ensuring economic inclusion and equality. Accommodating cultural diversity in service provision.

Objective 2.2 Objective 3.1 To ensure there is a focus on the impact of poverty To foster an environment of intercultural learning throughout Galway City STRATEGIC ACTION ESSENTIAL PARTNERS GOAL STRATEGIC ACTION ESSENTIAL PARTNERS GOAL 2.2.1 NAPS/Inclusion • Galway City Partnership • To facilitate the achievement of To facilitate the implementation of • Galway Travellers Support Group NAPS/Inclusion targets locally 3.1.1 Intercultural Education • Galway City Partnership • To support the introduction of a clear National Anti Poverty • Galway Refugee Support Group Initiative • Strategic Learning Network anti-racist and intercultural ethos in all Strategy/Inclusion with regards to • Statutory Agencies Work with all local education • Local education providers local educational institutions and minorities locally providers to implement to National • Galway Travellers Support Group youth groups Council on Curriculum Assessment • Galway Refugee Support Group • To introduce and disseminate an Objective 2.3 Anti-Racism Guidelines • Galway One World Centre anti-racism/intercultural code of practice • Local Minority Support Orgs in every school in Galway City To ensure that national initiatives are facilitated at local level • Galway Teachers Centre • Department of Education and STRATEGIC ACTION ESSENTIAL PARTNERS GOAL Science, Regional Office • FÁS 2.3.1 FÁS Initiatives • FÁS • To ensure the inclusion of ethnic minorities • Youth Groups To facilitate the inclusion of members • Galway City Partnership in all FÁS programmes as appropriate • City of Galway VEC of ethnic minorities in all FÁS • Galway Refugee Support Group programmes in Galway City • Galway Travellers Support Group • Chamber of Commerce & Industry 3.1.2 UNESCO Associated • Galway Education Centre • To facilitate local school children to gain • Trade Unions Schools Initiative • Galway City Partnership an increased understanding and • Irish Business & To promote the participation of • Galway One World Centre appreciation of cultural difference Employers Confederation local primary and secondary • Local Schools • To facilitate local schools to establish • City of Galway VEC schools in the UNESCO Associated • Strategic Learning Network best practice in developing anti-racism Schools Network • Department of Education and Science, and intercultural projects Regional Office 2.3.2 Other Initiatives • Galway City Partnership • To facilitate the successful implementation • City of Galway VEC To facilitate the implementation of • Statutory Agencies of national initiatives locally other national initiatives at a local level as appropriate 3.1.3 Youth Work Initiative • City of Galway VEC • To ensure that young people are actively Develop a programme of anti-racism • Galway Youth Federation engaged in innovative intercultural and intercultural projects with local • Foróige learning activities youth groups • Strategic Learning Network • To increase interaction between local • Refugee Volunteer Project youth and educators from different • SPARK cultural backgrounds • Galway Travellers Support Group • To increase participation of ethnic • Galway Refugee Support Group minority youth • Galway One World Centre • Health Executive Authority, WR

‘Enforced idleness is mental torture. It leads to resentment of Refugees amongst the Irish and racist attitudes in society.’ Participant from Asylum Seeker Focus Group.

32 33 THEME THREE Provision THEME THREE Provision Accommodating cultural diversity in service provision. Accommodating cultural diversity in service provision.

Objective 3.2 Objective 3.3 To ensure equal access to services by ethnic minorities To promote the further development of dedicated support services and facilities for ethnic minorities STRATEGIC ACTION ESSENTIAL PARTNERS GOAL STRATEGIC ACTION ESSENTIAL PARTNERS GOAL 3.2.1 Appropriate targetting • Galway City Partnership • To develop guidelines and examples of of ethnic minorities • Galway City Development Board good practice of targeted initiatives • Galway City Partnership • To acquire a physical space Work with all local service providers • Local Minority Support Organisations • To ensure appropriate targeting of 3.3.1 Intercultural Resource • Galway City Council • To establish an Intercultural to ensure that ethnic minorities are • All relevant service providers minorities by service providers Centre • Intercultural Community Forum Resource Centre properly targeted Establish an Intercultural Resource • Libraries • To achieve better co-ordination and Centre in Galway City • Community Development Projects networking amongst local minority groups • Local Minority Support Organisations • To improve the capacity to promote 3.2.2 Minority Proofing of • Galway City Partnership • To design and support the use of a anti-racism and interculturalism through local Services • Galway City Development Board template for Diversity Auditing the activities of the resource centre Work with local services to ensure • All relevant service providers • To design and support the implementation that services do not have a negative • Local Minority Support Organisations of an Anti Discriminatory Checklist impact on minorities 3.3.2 Ethnic Minority • Galway City Partnership • To increase the capacity of these groups Support Groups • Local Minority Support Organisations to highlight and respond to emerging Support local ethnic minority • Galway City Community Forum needs within their communities 3.2.3 Health Initiative • Galway City Partnership • To ensure that services to ethnic support groups and the development • Community Development Projects To work with the Health Service • Health Services Executive WR minorities are designed and implemented of their activities and services • RAPID Area Implementation Team Executive, WR to ensure that ethnic • Local Minority Support Organisations in culturally appropriate ways minorities are accommodated throughout the health service

3.2.4 Social Service Initiative • Galway City Partnership • To ensure that social services to ethnic Develop a more inclusive, • Health Services Executive WR minorities are designed and implemented intercultural approach to social • Local Minority Support Organisations in culturally appropriate ways service provision • Community Development Projects • COPE • Department of Social, Community and Family Affairs

3.2.5 Childcare Initiative • Galway City and County • To ensure that childcare services to Develop a more inclusive, Childcare Committee ethnic minorities are designed and intercultural approach to childcare • Galway City Partnership implemented in culturally appropriate ways provision • Health Services Executive WR • Local Minority Support Organisations

3.2.6 Accommodation Initiative • Galway City Council • To ensure that accommodation services Ensure that there is an equitable • Galway City Partnership to ethnic minorities are designed and approach to the provision of • Local Minority Support Organisations implemented in culturally appropriate ways ‘Sometimes Travellers are forced on to a site accommodation for ethnic minorities. instead of a house’ Participant from Traveller Focus Group 3.2.7 Welcome Pack • Galway Refugee Support Group • To develop a Welcome Pack in accessible Develop a Welcome Pack for newly • Galway City and County format and in appropriate languages arrived refugees and asylum seekers Childcare Committee to include basic information on • Galway City Partnership services in Galway city • Galway Peoples’ Resource Centre • Health Services Executive WR • Galway City Development Board

34 35 THEME FOUR Recognition THEME FOUR Recognition Recognition and awareness of cultural diversity and racism. Recognition and awareness of cultural diversity and racism.

Objective 4.1 Objective 4.2 To reduce racism in Galway City through raising local awareness To develop and celebrate the cultural diversity of Galway City on cultural diversity and interculturalism STRATEGIC ACTION ESSENTIAL PARTNERS GOAL STRATEGIC ACTION ESSENTIAL PARTNERS GOAL 4.2.1 Intercultural Activities • Galway City Partnership • To develop regular anti-racism and 4.1.1 Intercultural Public • Galway City Partnership • To increase awareness and appreciation Support and promote the • Local Minority Support Organisations intercultural events in the city Awareness Campaign • Amnesty International of cultural diversity amongst the development of a local anti-racism • Local Arts Sector • To increase interaction between all Implement an annual Intercultural • Galway One World Centre general public and intercultural calendar of events • Galway City Community Forum communities in the city public awareness campaign to focus • Educational Institutions • To achieve the widespread promotion • Galway City Development Board Arts on diversity and anti-racism • Local Minority Support Organisations of Interculturalism & Culture Group • Galway City Community Forum • Cúirt • RAPID Area Implementation Team

4.2.2 Annual Intercultural • Local Arts Sector • To organise annual celebrations of cultural 4.1.2 Media Initiative • NUI, Galway School of Journalism • To produce a glossary of terminology Festival • Galway City Arts Office diversity in the city To work with the media to combat • Local print and broadcast media with journalists Support annual Festivals of Cultures • Access Music Project • To increase interaction between all racism, promote interaction and to • Broadcasting Commission of Ireland • To improve representation of ethnic for Galway City. • Macnas communities in the city raise awareness of cultural diversity, • National Union of Journalists minorities and immigrants in local media • Western Writers’ Centre to include: • Galway Mayo Institute of Technology • To develop a Galway Media Code of Practice • Colour Street Theatre • Training with local journalists to • Galway City Partnership • To increase visibility of ethnic minority • Galway Arts Centre promote fair and accurate • Galway One World Centre groups and issues in the local media • Galway City Partnership representation of ethnic minorities • Local Minority Support Organisations • Develop an anti-racist code of practice with the media as outlined 4.2.3 Intercultural Awards • Galway City Development Board • To have an intercultural category in in Planning for Diversity Promote the introduction of an • Galway Chamber of Commerce Galway City Awards Schemes Intercultural Category into local & Industry award schemes, which will focus on • Trade Unions 4.1.3 Public Spaces Initiative • Galway City Council • To increase knowledge about local cultural rewarding best practice in anti- • FÁS Promote the inclusion of a focus on • Galway City Museum diversity for local residents and visitors racism and interculturalism. • Refugee Award Schemes the historical and contemporary • Galway City Children’s Museum • Galway City Partnership cultural diversity of the city in all • Galway City Partnership public exhibition spaces.

‘People are forced into the welfare system. Trained, qualified people are left redundant in society’ Participant from Asylum Seeker Focus Group

36 37 THEME FIVE Participation Acknowledgements Enhancing the participation of cultural and ethnic minorities in Irish society. The development of Towards A City Of Equals – Galway City Anti-Racism Objective 5.1 Strategy 2005-2008 required a considerable amount of work over a two-year To achieve effective participation by ethnic minorities in the political, period. This work involved regular meetings, research, consultation community and local development processes sessions, presentations and much more. Special thanks is extended to the following people for their participation in that process: STRATEGIC ACTION ESSENTIAL PARTNERS GOAL

5.1.1 Political Leadership • Galway City Partnership • To encourage local elected representatives • To the Anti-Racism Advisory Group (listed overleaf) • Agree an anti-racism protocol • Political Parties and election candidates to show for their input and assistance in the overall development of the strategy. with all local candidates / elected • Local Elected Representatives leadership in the area of anti-racism representatives • Election Candidates and interculturalism • Amnesty International • To develop and support implementation • To the Anti-Racism Working Group (listed overleaf) • Work with all elected • Local Minority Support Organisations of Protocol for their tireless work over the two years that ultimately ensured representative to develop an the realisation of this initiative. anti-racist protocol/charter for the conduct of business in the Galway City Council • To the researchers: Human Rights For Change, for their report 5.1.2 Intercultural Community • Galway City Partnership • To create a formal platform for intercultural Galway City Anti-Racism Strategy – A Legal Basis. Forum • Galway City Community Forum dialogue between local communities Establish an Intercultural • Local Minority Support Organisations • To increase participation by ethnic Ann Irwin, for researching and writing Community Forum made up of • Action for Equality - Galway minorities and immigrants in the local Towards A City Of Equals – Galway City Anti-Racism Strategy 2005-2008. representatives from the range of development process ethnic minority groups in the city. • To the partner organisations who have committed themselves to ensuring the successful implementation of the strategy. 5.1.3 Affirmative Action • Galway City Partnership • To increase participation by members of Programme • Political Parties ethnic minority groups in the local • To the organisations who have provided funding towards the strategy: Promote increased representation • Galway City Community Forum development process from ethnic minorities in political, • RAPID Area Implementation Team Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform community and local development • Local Minority Support Organisations KNOW RACISM Programme organisations Galway City Partnership RAPID II Galway City 5.1.4 Voter Registration • Community Development Sub-group • To increase the number of members of Initiative of Galway City Development Board ethnic minority groups registering to vote Finally, thanks is extended to all organisations, groups and individuals who participated To develop a Voter Participation • Galway City Partnership Strategy to encourage the • Political Parties in and lent their support, expertise and experience to the development of Towards A City registration of ethnic minorities. • Galway City Community Forum Of Equals – Galway City Anti-Racism Strategy 2005-2008. • RAPID Area Implementation Team • Local Minority Support Organisations

38 39 Appendix 1 Anti-Racism Advisory Group Chelo Alfonsa Volunteer Peter Butler Galway One World Centre Betsy Carryette Volunteer The statue ‘Equality Emerging’ located at Ellie Cummins Global Music Project Nun’s Island Galway was commissioned by Charlie Currie Galway Peoples Resource Centre the SIPTU- NUI Galway Alliance in co- Bríd Dooley Galway City Council operation with Galway City Council. It was Mehari Fisseha Volunteer presented to the people of Galway and to Fionnuala Foley Galway City & County Childcare Committee Juliane Friedrich Colours Street Theatre people everywhere who are engaged in the Celine Geoffret Galway Refugee Support Group struggle for equality. Triona NicGiolla Choille Galway Refugee Support Group Deirdre Hardiman Community Education, NUI Galway Rikke Holdgaard Volunteer David Keane Irish Centre for Human Rights The poem inscribed on the base of the Ernest Keeya Volunteer statue reads: Tokie Laotan Volunteer

Kerry Larkin Volunteer “Above a hole in the ground Nollaig Mc Guinness Galway City Partnership No matter what stands Ibrahim Noonan Ahmadiyya Muslim Association, Ireland Measures nothing of life Charlotte Norman Global Music Project Margaret Ó Riada Galway Travellers Support Group Unless it touches our hearts Paul Osikoya Asylum Seekers Group Ireland, Galway Branch And inspires out humanity to act” Musbau Foley Sarumi Galway One World Centre Patsy Sweeney Galway Traveller Support Group Serge Thierry Volunteer

Anti-Racism Working Group Charlie Currie Galway Peoples’ Resource Centre Bríd Dooley Galway City Council Deirdre Hardiman Community Education, NUI Galway Tríona Nic Giolla Choille Galway Refugee Support Group Nollaig Mc Guinness Galway City Partnership Margaret O’ Riada Galway Travellers Support Group

40 Galway City Partnership, 3rd Floor The Plaza, Headford Road, Galway, Ireland Telephone 091 773466, Fax 091 773468, Web www.gcp.ie

Galway City Development Board Bord Forbartha Cathrach na Gaillimhe