responsecsi

To view the Consultation go to

http://www.ofmdfmni.gov.uk/content-equality-newpage-csi

Northern Visions/NvTv Response to

Cohesion Sharing and Integration Consultation (CSI)

Thank you for the opportunity to respond to this important consultation.

In general we are disappointed with the document. There is no recognition of the key role of community arts and community media, both of which have been recognized as key drivers for community relations since the publication of the Vital Signs: Mapping Community Arts in Belfast (1998) by François Matarasso for Making Belfast Work (DSD) and ACNI. Furthermore there is no recognition of the key role community development plays in challenging sectarianism.

We would be concerned that OFMDFM wishes to take direct control of funding community groups involved in community relations work, which may precipitate the demise of the Community Relations Council.

Whilst we hold an open mind on whether the Community Relations Council is the appropriate funding body and appreciate that an evaluation of the Community Relations Council’s overall community relations work and policies may be overdue, we would be concerned that future public debates would be constrained by the absence of an independent body.

The document, itself, lacks historical perspective and context and the language it employs is awkward and, at times absurd. There are too many comments with vague meanings such as the key goal ‘To achieve the full participation of all sectors in all aspects of society’ and yet by contrast the word reconciliation is never mentioned.

We feel it is crucial to include actions and measurable outcomes to a document as important as this one. There should be reference to an equality agenda, institutionalised racism and sectarianism, integrated education, segregated housing, a future Race Equality Strategy to replace the current one which ends this year, reference to disability and all minority groupings in society, and reference to low level educational attainment/unemployment at Interface areas. All of which should be addressed within a clear action plan, indicative budget and timeline.

For any document of this nature to be meaningful, it must support everyone in society with a policy environment where people living, working and visiting Northern Ireland can do so in an inclusive society free from prejudice.