The WLGA and each of Wales’ councils have signed the #ZeroRacismWales pledge in advance of today’s publication of the Welsh Government’s draft Race Equality Action Plan for Wales and to mark last Sunday’s UN International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.

Cllr Susan Elsmore (Cardiff), Joint WLGA Spokesperson for Equalities, Welfare Reform and Anti-Poverty said:

“We are committed to working with the Welsh Government and our communities to make Wales an anti-racist country. The Welsh Government’s Race Equality Action Plan is welcome in challenging our public bodies and wider society to do more. It demands leadership, it demands action and it demands change. We are committed to responding positively to this consultation to ensure we tackle racism and inequality in Wales.”

Cllr Mary Sherwood (Swansea), Joint WLGA Spokesperson for Equalities, Welfare Reform and Anti-Poverty said:

“I am pleased that Wales’ councils have signed the Zero Racism Wales pledge, taking a stand against racism and committing to promote a more inclusive and equal workplace and society. The WLGA Council also recently committed to an ambitious ‘’Diversity in Democracy’ action plan which aims to increase the diversity of candidates and councillors at next May’s local elections. Councils have worked towards reducing inequalities but the Race Equality Action Plan shows that we need concerted, collective action as racism remains within our society and inequality continues to adversely affect the lives of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic people in Wales.”

-ENDS-

For further information

The Welsh Government’s Race Equality Action Plan has been shaped by people with lived experiences of racism and has been constructed through engagement with Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities and other key race stakeholders. The consultation document is available here: https://gov.wales/race-equality-action-plan-anti-racist-wales