Patrick Vernon

This report provides the independent civil society perspective to the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD) by examining the situation of race and racism in England.

The Runnymede Trust have acted as the curators of evidence submitted by a broad coalition of organisations, on the EHRC’s procedural request to conduct an independent civil society review on the state’s progress on race and racism in England over the past 4 years. The report has been compiled with evidence from over 100 civil society organisations across the country and has been endorsed by 78 NGOs and race equality organisations. We received over 50 written submissions from institutions, CSOs, academics and other individuals in response to the call for evidence for this report.

This report provides a civil society perspective to the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD) by examining the situation of race and racism in England. It has been drafted by the Runnymede Trust, following consultation with over 100 civil society organisations (CSOs) working to promote race equality and human rights. We received over 50 written submissions from institutions, CSOs, academics and other individuals in response to the call for evidence for this report.

Our report shows that racism is systemic in England and impacts BME groups’ enjoyment of rights. Legislation, institutional practices and society’s customs continue to combine to harm BME groups. As a result, in England, BME groups are consistently more likely to live in poverty, to be in low-paid precarious work and to die of COVID-19. Disparities facing BME groups in England are sustained across the areas of health, housing, the criminal justice system, education, employment, immigration and political participation.

To read more and the full report click here