Global Leadership Exchange’s Post

🌍 Panel 2: Understanding Structural Racism In our second conference panel, experts discussed the urgent need for actionable strategies to tackle structural racism across Europe. “It’s nice that the Commission acknowledges structural racism, but how do we actually tackle it?” asked Michaela Moua (she/her), EU Anti-Racism Coordinator. She emphasised that structural racism is systemic and often silent, making it the most insidious form of racism. Michaela called on member states to develop national anti-racism action plans while noting the challenge of convincing policymakers about the importance of addressing structural racism. Jelena Jovanovic, Anti-Racism and Diversity Intergroup Coordinator at the European Parliament, stressed the need to create new opportunities for civil society and grassroots organizations. She advocated for capacity building and shadow reporting projects, highlighting the lack of data as an excuse for inaction. Jelena announced a new action plan to sanction member states for non-compliance with EU laws, urging collaboration and information sharing to drive change within the Parliament. RUSTEM Robert, Outreach Officer at ECRI, discussed the importance of collecting equality data and emphasized ECRI’s comprehensive recommendations for robust anti-discrimination legislation. He addressed whether ECRI is tackling structural racism and shared key recommendations for member states to dismantle institutional racism while monitoring progress across Europe. #EndRacismEU

21 March is the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. In Australia, it also marks ‘Close the Gap Day’, After engaging with First Nations voices responding to ‘Closing the Gap’, our team is coming together to share our reflections and identify actions we are all committing to moving forward. We will continue unlearning and relearning through the LMHN River Journey of Truth Telling grounded in Collective Accountability moving towards Anti-Racism.   We acknowledge there is still so much work for us to do, for First Nations people to feel safe, let alone thrive. The ‘gap’ does not sit within First Nations people, it sits within the fabric of the systems and structures that have been in place since colonization and are held across society. We must address this. If you are ready to learn more, we encourage you to listen to First Nations voices responding to Closing the Gap; https://lnkd.in/gkmnC9Ut

Speech by the Dialogue and Development Forum and Haqi Center for Rights and Freedoms at the 55th Session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva, as part of the general discussion of Agenda Item 9 Thursday, March 28, 2024 Dear Vice President, A few days ago, the world commemorated the International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade. This event has had profound and lasting effects on both enslaved individuals and affected communities. Systemic racism continues to persist worldwide, depriving people of African descent of equal opportunities and rights. In Latin America, studies have shown that in at least 18 countries, people of African descent live with a wide range of deprivations related to poverty, employment, maternal and child health, lack access to adequate housing and basic services such as safe water and sanitation. We still live in an era of systemic racism against people of African descent. While we commend efforts and progress aimed at preventing racial discrimination and improving equality for all, institutional and individual racism continues to rise in the Americas and European countries. In the United States alone, the roots of economic and medical disparities and gaps in the justice system trace back to the legacy of slavery, segregation, ongoing discrimination, and disparities that begin at birth with pregnancy-related deaths. The Dialogue and Development Forum, the Geneva International Center for Justice, and the Right to Rights and Freedoms Center call for urgent action to address the systemic racism faced by African-descent communities. We emphasize the need for practical measures to combat discrimination and improve the lives of those affected. This includes enforcing anti-discrimination laws, investing in education and healthcare, promoting economic empowerment, and strengthening accountability mechanisms. https://lnkd.in/dtUfjsHj

21 March marks the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. Let's call it what it is and work collectively to raise awareness about the structural and systemic racism many people still face today. - I consider myself a huge lover of language; words, phrases, cheeky arrangement of letters awakening emotions and forming realities. I've always despised euphemisms. There is something in my brain that rejects the notion of obscuring a certain reality. A personal need for truth and for saying things as they are. Because things, attitudes, situations, have to be seen in order to be changed. I've tried to talk about this with people I love without much success. Their views and opinions imposed over mine. And where there is imposition, I withdraw. There is no joy in playing/discussing/sharing if the field is not levelled and open. And because I could not have said it any better, I will just agree and share what Australian Human Rights Commission has said perfectly: The rebranding of IDERD to "Harmony Day" has contributed significantly to the denial of racism that continues to characterise Australia today, preventing many from equal opportunities and outcomes. 21 March marks the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (IDERD), sometimes known as ‘Harmony Day’ in Australia. However, hiding the true meaning of this day under a mask of ‘harmony’ actively harms our collective antiracism journey by obscuring structural and systemic racism. The factsheet below explains why. https://lnkd.in/gUtV5fP2

It's been a challenge to articulate my feelings about the launch of the AHRC's anti-racism framework this week. With so many celebrating the framework I didn't want to be the grinch in the room but I can't get over the gaslighting. After sharing our (Hue: Colour the Conversation) experience with AHRC publicly last week, I've heard from many First Nations people and people of color who have faced similar difficulties with the Commission. It feels like the racial gaslighting never stops, and it's exhausting. Hearing the Race Discrimination Commissioner speak about the impacts of racism in the media this week, while we are still dealing with the consequences of AHRC ending our contract early, feels deeply contradictory and harmful. They say one thing but act differently. Additionally, the media reports about the silencing and reprimanding of Commission staff showing solidarity for Palestine hasn't been forgotten. We urgently need serious anti-racism action in this country, so a framework seems like a positive step. However, how can we trust the Commission to lead this work and hold others accountable when they refuse to be held accountable for their own actions? As someone running an anti-racism organisation and engaging with people daily about racism in this country, it's disheartening to feel that we can't trust the institutions meant to uphold our human rights and keep us safe. It's not new to me that systemic racism exists within human rights institutions, but I underestimated how entrenched it is at the AHRC. I never thought that taking on a contract with them would result in us being in a worse position than if we had never engaged with them in the first place. I often wonder: can these institutions overcome their colonial roots and truly be reformed, or do we need to create new ones that genuinely reflect the needs of communities from the bottom up?

**UNESCO Global Forum against Racism and Discrimination** The fourth edition of the Global Forum against Racism and Discrimination is taking place in Barcelona this year. UNESCO, the Government of Spain, the Government of Catalonia and the City of Barcelona have partnered to convene this unique space which gathers the international community, multiple stakeholders, and allows for the discussion of prominent issues, the sharing of best practices, and paves a way to advance the global anti-racism movement through its concrete actions. In an increasingly globalized world, racism and discrimination continue to damage and undermine the social fiber of our societies. One in six people worldwide experience some form of discrimination, and this trend has only worsened over time. Numerous leaders, academic institutions, civil society groups and NGOs have mobilized to implement anti-racism policies and actions to root out discrimination, as reaffirmed in the recently adopted Pact for the Future, the Global Digital Compact and the Declaration on Future Generations. During this annual Global Forum, we call for decisive action. This edition aims to upscale commitments and build on the advancement of the previous ones and will see the rise of a “Global Alliance against Racism and Discriminations” to promote a collaborative approach to implementing impactful and lasting action. As the world continues to “race to the top” in making these challenges a priority in international agendas, the Global Forum inspires hope and optimism for a sustainable future free of racism and discrimination for generations to come. Be part of the movement and join us on 10 and 11 December 2024 in the vibrant city of Barcelona! Check here for more: https://lnkd.in/eszjjfPd Don’t miss Day 2 of the Forum—watch it here: https://lnkd.in/eMb4mSV2

🌍 Panel 3: Structural Racism Inside and Beyond the EU In our third conference panel, speakers examined the pervasive issue of structural racism within and outside the European Union. “Structural racism is about systemic barriers that deny opportunities to individuals, regardless of their efforts,” stated Momodou Malcolm Jallow, Member of the Swedish Parliament. He explained that it manifests through disparities in access to employment, housing, education, and healthcare, highlighting that racialised individuals often face increased policing. He emphasised the need for political will to create a system that meets the needs of all people. Marie Andic, Second Secretary at the Mission of Canada to the EU, discussed Canada’s anti-racism strategy, initiated in 2019. She noted that acknowledging systemic racism is not new in Canada and is compounded by ongoing colonisation. Marie highlighted the strategy’s support for anti-racism initiatives and the commitment to evaluate its impact, particularly on migration. Dr. Kristin Larsen, Deputy Representative of PRM to the US Mission to the EU, addressed measures taken by the US to combat structural and institutional racism. She highlighted the predominance of white individuals at the federal level and the importance of tackling unconscious bias to make foreign service roles more accessible to racialised communities. Kristin also discussed accountability challenges in addressing institutional racism and reflected on key priorities for the US, including recommendations for the EU. Niall Crowley, Equality and Human Rights Expert, emphasised the need to focus on the root causes of racism rather than solely on those who experience it. He called for more research and the integration of historical and societal contexts to inform policies. Niall stressed the recognition of racism at the European level, highlighting the challenges civil society faces and the need to safeguard civil society organisations amid resource constraints and barriers to equality bodies. #EndRacismEU

The Government of British Columbia is seeking anti-racism advocates for provincial committee. The Province is accepting expressions of interest from throughout the province to fill 11 positions on the new committee, which will advise government about the implementation of the newly passed Anti-Racism Act and on developing a whole-of-government Anti-Racism Action Plan. The committee will also be responsible, in collaboration with racialized communities, to develop a framework for public bodies to do anti-racism assessments and establish anti-racism training standards they will follow. If you're interested, you have until June 15 to apply. Details: https://lnkd.in/gg4fM4Ga #antiracism #antiracist #racism #equality #socialjustice #justice #diversity #stopracism #endracism #humanrights #systemicracism #education #racialjustice #activism #inclusion #newtobc #endhate

Human Rights Day 2024 ... Today is a reminder of what truly matters: dignity, freedom, equality, and justice for every single person. Human rights are not just big ideas they are about ensuring everyone gets a fair shot at life, work, and happiness. In our daily lives, small actions can make a big impact. Whether it is creating inclusive workplaces, supporting fair treatment for all, or simply standing up when we see unfairness, we all play a part in building a kinder world. This year’s theme: “Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now", inspires us to move beyond words and take meaningful steps. Let us work towards making a difference, however small, because together, those steps add up to real change. #HumanRightsDay #DignityForAll #EqualityMatters #Inclusion #HumanKindness

Today, on the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, the world seeks to recognize and understand the conditions and history of discrimination, racism, and all forms of social injustice. 🌎 At FDDC, this day of awareness resonates with our mission to improve the social and economic conditions of the Native American tribes in Maine. #StandWithWabanaki #FightRacism 📲 Learn more about the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination at https://loom.ly/wxABMuM