Our National Campaign for 2016 – ‘Working together to combat racism and religious discrimination’
Following over 95,000 young people voting to tackle racism and racial discrimination as a priority issue; and Members of Youth Parliament voting to make this the national campaign during the 2015 House of Commons Sitting, the UK Youth Parliament will be working in their communities to reduce racism and racial discrimination. Over the next year, the UK Youth Parliament will campaign to challenge negative attitudes around race and religion; work with others to educate their communities in order to tackle ignorance around race and religion; and promote integration in their communities.
Why is this important?
There has been an increase in race and religion related hate crimes across all the nations in the UK apart from Scotland; but young people agreed that one victim of this type of hate crime is one too many.
England and Wales race and religion related hate crimes in 2014-2015:
- 42,930 Race related hate crimes reported – 15% increase from the year before.
- 3,254 Religion related hate crimes reported – 43% increase from the year before.
(Source: Home Office)
Northern Ireland related race and religion related incidents and hate crimes in 2014-2015:
- 2,277 race related incidents and crimes reported – 36% increase from the year before.
- 80 religion related crimes and incidents reported – 116% increase from the year before.
(Source: Police Service of Northern Ireland)
Scotland race and religion related hate crimes in 2014-2015:
- 3,785 race related hate crimes reported – 9% decrease compared to the year before.
- 569 religiously aggravated crimes reported – 4% decrease from year before.
(Source: Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service)
Actions
Young people believed that negative images in the media and ignorance were the main causes of racism and religious discrimination in their communities. They agreed that if these were not addressed, it would cause further segregation in society; would allow people to develop and hold discriminatory views; cause people to fear other groups that they may not understand and create tension in society.
What are we going to do about it?
- Change discriminatory attitudes of young people towards race and religion.
- Raise levels of understanding about different races and religions, communities and cultures.
- Challenge negative images of race and religion on social media.
- Promote diversity and inclusion within communities.
When are we releasing more details and getting started?
It has already begun! The campaign launched during our National Day of Action on Friday 22nd January 2016.
What’s been happening online?
You can follow all the action on Twitter via the hashtag #DontHateEducate
I’m a Member of Youth Parliament – where can I find resources?
Find everything you need for the campaign below:
Phase 1
Phase 2
Phase 3
- Session toolkit for use in schools remember you’ll also need preparing to meet your of Head of school
