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Working Together for Race Equality - The Scottish Executive's Race Equality Scheme
Foreword
'One Scotland Many Cultures'. This key message from our Anti-racism Campaign sums up the motivation for Scottish Ministers' promotion of race equality. We are committed to securing social justice and to bridging the opportunity gap for all, regardless of which community they are from, what faith they hold, or the colour of their skin. Since we were established in 1999 we have made strenuous efforts to promote equality in all that we do, from the policies we make, to the way we operate, from the way the administration recruits, to the way it trains. This is why we are confident that we can take on the new obligations to promote race equality and tackle racial discrimination. Such racial discrimination, prejudice and hatred, however expressed, and whatever the circumstances are unacceptable. Whether personal, institutional, direct or indirect, racism has to be eradicated. In today's Scotland, no one should feel disadvantaged or excluded because of the colour of their skin, their ethnic background or their cultural or religious identity.
Over the years, people from many lands have studied, worked or settled in Scotland. That flow of people, ideas and talents has benefited all of us - in our past and in our lives today. We must continue to cultivate a Scotland where we have growth and opportunity for all, and offer a warm welcome to all who want to live with us and contribute their skills to build our country's future. We must take responsibility for the kind of Scotland we want to live in - and what we need to do to build that Scotland.
This Race Equality Scheme sets out the practical steps essential for promoting race equality in and for eliminating racism from our organisation. Over the last three years the devolved government in Scotland has already set in motion much good work to ensure that race equality and equality in general is integral to its functions and policies. We know we have much more to do and this Scheme is a significant step in the right direction.
But a scheme such as this is only as good as the way in which it is put into practice. As First Minister I shall be keeping a keen interest in its effective implementation, and I will insist that every effort is made to work closely with those directly affected by it, namely Scotland's diverse cultural and ethnic communities.
JACK McCONNELL, MSP
FIRST MINISTER
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