State of the Nation – Race and Racism in Scotland 2008

Institutional racism continues to pervade most sectors of Scottish society, despite concerted efforts to eradicate it, according to a new publication.

With the lack of information on race and racism increasingly recognised, Glasgow Anti Racist Alliance (GARA) has launched its “State of the Nation – Race and Racism in Scotland 2008” report, a collation of statistics and data relating to Black/Minority Ethnic (BME) people in Scotland

According to the report, black and minority ethnic people living in Scotland are being discriminated against in almost every aspect of life.

From housing to health, the publication reveals that ethnic minorities are routinely placed at a disadvantage when accessing some of the most basic of services. But while there have been a number of high profile and well-resourced initiatives to address disadvantage among minority ethnic communities, many have failed to make any meaningful or lasting impact on the problem.

Among the statistics, it is revealed that more BME children are likely to be put into care and more likely to suffer ill health compared to white children. Educational attainment is also far less within ethnic minorities with qualifications below national averages.

In housing, it is revealed people from ethnic groups have to wait longer on housing lists and are more likely to be placed in sub-standard homes.

And in employment, coming from an ethnic background places an individual at a distinct disadvantage both gaining a job and seeking promotion. They are also less likely to receive the same salary as their white counterparts.

Gabriel Sanjay of the Central Scotland Racial Equality Forum welcomed the publication but said the statistics contained in it pointed to a lack of commitment from the government to tackle inherent disadvantage within black and ethnic communities in Scotland.

“These findings reveal how pockets of discrimination combine to present a far more alarming picture racism affecting people in Scotland.  In all areas of society, racism still persists, despite the best efforts of government and well-meaning organisations. It is important we lobby harder for more effective measures to counteract these prejudices and that the Scottish Government commits to eradicating these problems by whatever means.”

He continued: “Eradicating prejudice should be a priority for us all because until then we cannot say we are committed to full inclusion today.”

GARA Director Jatin Haria speaking on the launch of the publication, said:

“Strong statistical data is essential in Scotland if government and its agencies are to truly address the needs of black/minority ethnic (BME) communities. For example, a report recently published by the Ministerial Task Force on Health Inequalities highlighted the lack of ethnicity data collection by NHS Scotland as a concern, making it more difficult to adequately meet the needs of BME people.”

“This report seeks to address such requirements and will hopefully become an invaluable reference tool for policy makers.”

Also commenting on the launch of the publication, former chair of the Commission for Racial Equality Dr Kay Hampton, said:“By collating all information available on race in Scotland into a single report they have provided a useful benchmark and potentially powerful new tool in addressing the needs of black and minority ethnic communities.

“I am confident that its publication will highlight any concerns that must be addressed and make a real difference to black people.”