Anti-racism seminar looks at impact on society
THE first in a series of anti-racism seminars took place recently under the auspices of the Dungannon based Migrant Worker Support Network (MWSN) organised by the South Tyrone Empowerment Programme (STEP).
Held to coincide with Anti-Racism Workplace Week, the event took place in Cookstown and aimed to examine the impact and effects of racism on individuals and society, whilst providing members with opportunities to meet professionals working in the areas of racism and migrant worker rights.
The MWSN was established in 2006 as a support mechanism for organisations across Northern Ireland, which deal on a regular basis with the issues surrounding migrant workers.
The principle behind the network is that it will be used by organisations to share information, best practice activity and a wide range of resources so that member organisations have a support network readily available to them.
Denise Cranston, Diversity Director for Business in the Community, who was involved in developing the Northern Ireland Code of Practice for employing migrant workers, provided members with practical insight into how member organisations can promote positive working practices in order to achieve equality in the workplace.
Anne McKernan, a Casework Director for the Equality Commission NI, examined ways in which the equality commission can support members of the MWSN in dealing with issues surrounding racism.
Anne spoke about the enforcement role of the commision in supporting individuals who believe they are the victims of discrimination.
These issues, along with broader matters surrounding anti-racism practices, were echoed by Ligia Parizzi, Anti-Racism Officer for Dungannon and South Tyrone Borough Council.
Speakers also emphasised the significance of unions in relation to dealing with migrant worker rights. Mel Corry from Trademark, a voluntary organisation tackling discriminatory practices, provided members with information on the challenges of migration for trade union movement.
Mel identified good work that has been carried out across Northern Ireland, and delegates agreed there needs to be a cross sector approach to dealing with inwards migration.
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Weather for Dungannon
Saturday 26 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 11 C to 23 C
Wind Speed: 21 mph
Wind direction: East
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Sunny
Temperature: 12 C to 21 C
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