Last month Race Council Cymru launched the Zero Racism Wales campaign, calling on organisations and individuals in Wales to sign a zero-tolerance policy to racism in Wales.
The campaign follows the momentum of Black Lives Matter protests around the globe and the launch of Black History Cymru 365 in October 2020.
The zero-tolerance policy, aimed towards business leaders in Wales, calls on organisations to ensure that no job applicant, visitor, or staff member of an organisation receives less favourable treatment on any grounds which are not relevant to good employment practice. The names of all organisations who sign up to the policy will be listed on the Zero Racism Wales website to ensure accountability and promote their commitment to a Zero Racism Wales.
Individuals can also sign a pledge to show their support and increase awareness amongst members of the public.
This year has brought many issues to the forefront that have shone a light on long standing inequalities for Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic people in Wales. In 2018, employees from Minority Ethnic groups in Wales earned, on average, 7.5 per cent less per hour than White British employees.
The Covid-19 pandemic has also highlighted long-standing systemic health and social inequalities that have disproportionately affected and increased the risk of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic individuals dying from Covid-19.
Judge Ray Singh CBE, Chair of Race Council Cymru said:
“We are delighted to launch this campaign to challenge organisations and individuals in Wales to sign the zero-tolerance policy to racism.
“Racial inequalities continue to blight the lives of ethnic minority communities across Wales – this is not acceptable. We are calling on all organisations to take a stand to eradicate racism and discrimination in their organisations; the future generations depend on this pledge. Let us take action together today to make Wales fairer and safer.”
Race Council Cymru has partnered with Welsh Government, Wales Trade Union Congress, National Museum of Wales and All Wales Regional Community Cohesion Departments who have all endorsed the campaign.
Jane Hutt MS, Welsh Government Deputy Minister and Chief Whip said:
“My thanks go to Race Council Cymru for this work on the Zero-Tolerance to Racism in Wales campaign. I endorse it fully and look forward to supporting this work promoting race equality as we address structural and systemic racism in our Race Equality Action Plan.
The Welsh Government condemns racism in all its forms across Wales. We support a zero-tolerance approach and would further welcome organisations to adopt an anti-racist approach to reflect their commitment to tackling racism.”
Shavanah Taj, General Secretary of Wales TUC said:
“The Wales TUC is proud to support the launch of the Zero-Tolerance to Racism in Wales campaign. We acknowledge and pledge our support to say no to racism and stand shoulder to shoulder with fellow Welsh workers and citizens by applying a zero-tolerance approach in our workplaces and communities.
“In doing so, we can begin the much-needed journey to dismantling barriers and creating a Wales that is free from racism and prejudice to a Wales that is fair, just and equitable.”
