Glencree Centre for Peace and Reconciliation Welcomes Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth’s National Action Plan Against Racism (NAPAR)
21/3/23: On International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination 2023, Glencree Centre for Peace and Reconciliation welcomes the publication of a new and much needed National Action Plan Against Racism (NAPAR) from the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth. The National Action Plan Against Racism is the Government’s first national action plan against racism (NAPAR) in 15 years and is a commitment to eliminating racism in all its forms across Ireland.
Glencree’s Women's Leadership Programme Manager, Amina Moustafa attended the launch of the NAPAR in the Royal Irish Academy, Dublin, and was pleased to learn more of its aims to root out systemic racism in Irish structures and institutions. The plan includes the appointment of a Special Rapporteur on Racism and calls for an end to Direct Provision, both of which Glencree welcomes.
Glencree’s Intercultural and Refugee Programme Manager Nadette Foley, who was consulted for input into the action plan, said: “It is vital that Government departments, statutory agencies, local authorities and particularly an Garda Síochána now begin to use the National Action Plan Against Racism to build trust, working relationships and engagement with individuals and communities who are facing racism and discrimination every day in Ireland.”
The action plan, published by the Taoiseach, Tánaiste Micheál Martin, Minister for Equality Roderic O’Gorman and Minister of State for integration Joe O’Brien, commits in detail for Government departments and public bodies to work together to address discrimination, tackle structural racism and promote the inclusion of ethnic and racial minorities.
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said: "Policy should be made in consultation with those who have experienced racism and discrimination."
NAPAR also calls for ongoing engagement with marginalized and minority voices during the implementation of the Plan.
The Tánaiste Micheál Martin spoke of the role women have played and continue to play in peace agreements and the value women bring to the table when sharing their own lived experiences of conflict.
The publication of NAPAR 2023 – 2027 follows the establishment of an Anti Racism Committee by the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to look at the issue in 2020.
In addition, amongst the plan’s priority actions is to “identify and eliminate any policing practices that target specific groups experiencing racism, including through racial or ethnic profiling”.
Mr O’Brien announced a €1 million Ireland Against Racism Fund to support local and national projects working to combat racism and foster community cohesion.
#glencree4peace #TogetherAgainstRacism
Ends.For further information:
Glencree Media Contact: Valerie Ringrose Fitzsimons | 086 3771020 | Valerie.fitzsimons@glencree.ie
It is vital that Government departments, statutory agencies, local authorities and particularly an Garda Síochána now begin to use the National Action Plan Against Racism to build trust, working relationships and engagement with individuals and communities who are facing racism and discrimination every day in Ireland.
Nadette Foley, Glencree Intercultural & Refugee Programme Manager