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07th November 2006

New ethnic minority body is launched

Scotland's ethnic minority communities have launched a new body to promote greater political engagement.

The Ethnic Minority Civic Congress aims to develop a collective voice for the ethnic minority population of Scotland, regardless of background religion, age, disability, education, gender or sexual orientation.

It plans to work with a broad range of public bodies, including the Scottish Parliament, the Scottish Executive, local authorities as well as ethnic minority and community groups.

Colin Lee, director of the Council of Ethnic Minority Voluntary Organisations in Scotland, said: "It is the first time that such a representative body has been established in Scotland to increase dialogue and understanding between diverse communities.

"At a time when ethnic minority communities face an increasing climate of fear and discrimination, it is imperative that the congress can bring together and unite communities."

Source: The Evening News