Scotland’s Race Equality Challenges: CERD’s Concluding Observations and the Path Forward

Scotland’s Race Equality Challenges: CERD’s Concluding Observations and the Path Forward

The UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD) has delivered its concluding observations on the UK’s compliance with the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination.

Among the various recommendations made, Scotland finds itself in a critical position. While strides have been made in advancing race equality, the CERD’s observations highlight that there is still significant work to be done.

The Committee has called for a comprehensive approach to embedding the principles of the Convention into Scotland’s domestic law. It also highlights the urgency of adopting a new Race Equality Action Plan, one that not only promises change but is also grounded in the realities faced by ethnic minorities.

The CERD also pulled the focus to the Irish community, emphasising the importance of engaging with this community to address the unique challenges they face.

Another area of concern is the persistent poverty affecting ethnic minority groups, especially children. This issue is complex and intertwined with broader systemic inequalities in housing and social welfare. The no recourse to public funds (NRPF) rule, which exacerbates poverty among migrant households, is singled out as a policy in need of urgent reform.

Housing inequality is also a pressing issue. Ethnic minority households face significant barriers to accessing affordable and adequate housing, including social housing. The CERD calls for decisive action to address these disparities, which have far-reaching consequences on health, education, and overall well-being.

Finally, the Committee urges the Scottish Government to tackle the causes and legacy of forced assimilation experienced by Gypsy and Traveller communities. Ensuring these communities can fully participate in societal initiatives is crucial for meaningful progress.

In summary, the CERD’s observations provide a to-do list for Scotland to create a more equitable society. It is now up to the Scottish Government to translate these recommendations into tangible actions that improve the lives of all its people, regardless of their background.

To-Do List for the Scottish Government

1. Incorporate CERD Principles into Domestic Law: Ensure that the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination is fully enforceable in Scotland’s legal system.
2. Adopt a New Race Equality Action Plan: Expedite the creation and implementation of a comprehensive Race Equality Action Plan that addresses the specific needs and challenges of ethnic minority communities.
3. Engage with the Irish Community: Actively collaborate with the Irish community and relevant stakeholders to develop and implement measures that address ethnic and religious prejudice.
4. Combat Ethnic Minority Poverty: Develop and implement targeted strategies to reduce poverty among ethnic minorities, with a focus on children.
5. Ensure Access to Affordable Housing: Take immediate steps to improve access to affordable and adequate housing for ethnic minority households, including increasing the availability of social housing.
6. Revise the NRPF Rule: Work towards revising the “no recourse to public funds” rule to protect migrant households from poverty and instability.
7. Support Gypsy and Traveller Communities: Address the causes and legacy of forced assimilation of Gypsy and Traveller communities, ensuring their full participation in relevant initiatives.

For more information, get in touch with our policy and communications lead Lucy Miller on lucy@hrcscotland.org