The National Action Plan Against Racism (NPAR) 2005 – 2008
Background
In 2001, the Irish Government launched a three year national anti-racism awareness programme entitled “Know Racism” with the aim of stimulating an awareness of racism and respect for cultural diversity. The programmes’ activities included national advertising initiatives, publicity events and support for local anti-racism awareness initiatives, partnerships and research. The programme completed its three year term in December 2004 and was followed by the National Action Plan Against Racism.
The National Action Plan Against Racism (NPAR) 2005-2008 was launched in January 2005 by the Taoiseach and the then Minister for Justice, Equality & Law Reform. The Plan provided strategic direction to combating racism and to promoting a more inclusive, intercultural society in Ireland. The development of the Plan was preceded by a 12 – month consultation process involving a wide-range of stakeholders, including Government, the social partners and civil society.
The publication of the Plan was in fulfilment of a commitment given at the World Conference against Racism in Durban 2001. Ireland is one of the leading States in putting a National Action Plan Against Racism in place.
Work undertaken under the National Action Plan Against Racism
A Strategic Monitoring Group was established to oversee the implementation of the National Action Plan Against Racism and was chaired by Lucy Gaffney. The group included representatives from a wide range of key stakeholders - Government bodies, the social partners (IBEC, Congress, representatives of the voluntary and community sector etc.), minority communities and the National Consultative Committee on Racism and Interculturalism.
The Plan has overseen the development of a number of key strategies to foster interculturalism in the Health Sector, Education, Sport and the Arts. It has been recognised that, dealing with difficult aspects before they become an issue is critically important in addressing the problem of racism and the challenge of Integration. The Plan promoted positive diversity management programmes.
Since its inception, the National Action Plan Against Racism has aimed to present practical solutions in anticipation of major racism, diversity management and integration problems. A number of strategic programmes have also been established by national institutions such as the Garda Síochána (Police), the Health Service Executive (HSE), local government and national research. Accommodation of different cultures was also achieved through the medium of Sport and through the Arts.
Current position
A Final Report of the Strategic Monitoring Group was submitted to the Taoiseach and the Minister of Integration in January 2009. The Group concedes that, while the National Action Plan Against Racism was an ambitious plan and not everything was achieved," there has been a substantial penetration of anti –racist policies, programmes and activities and awareness raising initiatives". It also sets out key challenges and puts forward some recommendations which the National Action Plan Against Racism Strategic Monitoring Group believe must be addressed if the overall objectives of diversity management are to be met.
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