'Racial Injustice in the Covid-19 Response' position paper

CharitySoWhite is a people of colour led campaign group set up in 2019 seeking to tackle institutional racism in the charity sector. Its vision is of "a charity sector that is taking the lead on tackling and rooting out racism". They recently published this position paper looking at how Covid-19 and its social and economic impacts will disproportionately effect BAME communities.

'Racial Injustice in the Covid-19 Response' states: "Without a purposeful, intersectional approach centring Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities the current outbreak of COVID-19 will lead to severe consequences and will further entrench racial inequalities in our society". 5 key issues are identified:

1. Health inequalities - BAME groups remain over-represented in the “at-risk” communities identified by the Government, which is concerning given the racialised access and treatment within the UK health system
2. Emergency measures legislation - The lack of guidance around emergency measures, such as police powers and school closures is already leading to local variation and disproportionate impact on BAME communities
3. Risk of destitution - BAME communities are over-represented in key worker categories, as well as over-represented in low income groups with lower rates of home ownership
4. Hostile environment - The hostile environment and particularly No Recourse to Public Funds is preventing migrants from accessing basic rights during the crisis
5. Protection and Enforcement - The concern about increases in domestic violence, the rights of those currently in prison or detention, and increased attacks against East Asians.

Read the full paper here.

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