APPENDIX 15
Memorandum submitted by the Irish Congress
of Trade Unions
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 The ICTU is the central trade union
body representing 34 trade unions in Northern Ireland. In excess
of 220,000 workers belong to these unions. We work to achieve
economic development, social cohesion and justice by upholding
the values of solidarity, fairness and equality. It is part of
our vision to extend union membership to all working people as
a means of creating a better and fairer society.
1.2 Traditionally the ICTU has played a
major role in the promotion of peace, stability and tolerance.
Much of our past efforts have been directed at the eradicating
sectarianism in the workplace and in the community at large. In
order to place the Trade Union Movement in a strategic position
to deal with these problems we introduced specialised training
and established a dedicated anti-sectarian unit "Counteract".
1.3 This organisation has provided training
to unions, employers from both the public and private sectors.
Among those using the services of Counteract are Further and Higher
Education Institutions, the police service and local authorities.
1.4 Recently the incidence of racist attacks
has become more widely publicised. Trade unions recognise that
they have a role to play in reducing tensions and assisting victims
of racist abuse. A number of our affiliates have seconded officials
to deal with this matter and both Counteract and City Bridges
(a collaboration between Belfast and Dublin Trades Councils) have
developed a diversity programme designed to promote greater understanding
of the issues.
2. REASONS FOR
REPORTED INCREASES
IN HATE
CRIMES
2.1 In common with other trade unions and
other social partner organisations we believe that it is difficult
to quantify the increase in such incidents in Northern Ireland.
We believe that much more can be done by statutory authorities
in co-operation with the police to establish a clear picture.
Concordia, a social partner organisation comprising CBI, NICVA,
UFU and ICTU, has commented publicly on the evils of hate crime.
2.2 To address this issue in a serious manner
and therefore provide information on what actions can be taken,
clear definitions of hate crime must be agreed and publicised.
It may be a fact that the PSNI have yet some distance to go in
changing the culture of policing in this and other areas. Recent
comments by HMI would seem to support this view.
3. EFFECTIVENESS
OF MEASURES
3.1 Trade unions are co-operating with a
range of employers in developing a programme of awareness training
for workers and managers. Currently most of this work centres
in the public sector and more needs to be done with private sector
employers. The accession of 10 new countries to the European Union
raises the need for increased collaboration.
3.2 The importance of a broader form of
education cannot be underestimated and both ICTU and its teacher
unions have been engaged in discussions designed to introduce
more awareness raising measures into the school curriculum.
3.3 Other measures which might be tried
include:
— Clearly defined statements and strategies
from all public authorities, Government and the Police Service.
— Greater promotion of Section 75.
— Promotion of mixed housing areas
and greater efforts to present public services being provided
on a single identity basis.
— The Government should make greater
efforts to ensure that members of minority groups and those from
TSN areas are able to be members of public bodies.
4. EFFECTIVENESS
OF THE
LAW
4.1 Legislation is only part of any solution.
Laws are useless if they are not enforced. Penalties are not a
deterrent if not applied. The criminal justice system and the
police must be robust in applying the law in relation to hate
crime.
4.2 In essence Government must introduce
firm anti-hate crime laws. Enforcement must be a high priority
and seen to be effective. The record in this area regarding incitement
etc is poor in Northern Ireland.
4.3 We recognise that some training is given
to police officers but we believe that much more needs to be done
in educating both the police service and the judiciary.
4.4 Racism and sectarianism remain evils
in our society despite the fact that paramilitary violence has
declined. Successful prosecutions will build confidence in our
society and send the message that hate crime is unacceptable and
will be punished.
13 September 2004
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