Invitation to Discuss a Joint Sectoral Response to upcoming UK reports on CERD and European Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities
Dear Colleagues,
Meeting on the 5th February 2010 to discuss a joint sectoral response to the up coming UK reports on the Convention on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination and the European Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities.
We would like to invite you to a half day meeting on Friday 5th February 2010 in the board room of the Volunteers Service Bureau (VSB) 34 Shaftesbury Square, Belfast from 10am to 1pm.
The British Government is currently preparing responses to both the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination and the Council of Europe’s European Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities. Once these are complete NGO’s will be invited to submit responses.
Both of these Conventions have a great deal of significance for Ethnic Minorities in Northern Ireland and we would like to encourage all BME community representatives to see this as an important opportunity to raise significant issues through the use of non-domestic mechanisms to pressurize the government to act.
The meeting will consist of a brief explanation of the purpose and function of the Conventions and the type of issues likely to be relevant, this will be followed by a basic overview of the lobbying process at both the International and European level. This will be followed by a facilitated discussion to establish what are the key issues facing ethnic minorities in Northern Ireland and what strategies should be taken to challenge these. Such issues will then be highlighted in a joint submission to be agreed on by all those involved.
The event is non-specialist and we would encourage all groups to attend irrespective of any previous experience. Tea and coffee will be provided followed by a light lunch at 1pm, please advise us of any access or dietary requirements.
Kind regards,
Helena Macormac
Legal Policy Officer
