European Year of Equal Opportunities for All 2007 

What will be happening in Northern Ireland to mark the year?

In line with the four key themes of the year, the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland will continue to raise awareness among the people of Northern Ireland of their rights to enjoy equal treatment and a life free of discrimination. In this respect the commission will contribute to the overall UK objective of creating a society at ease with diversity.

During the year the Equality Commission will ensure delivery on a number of key projects which are outlined below.

April 2007

Young people are one of the main target groups identified by the "For Diversity - Against Discrimination" UK Campaign. Commencing in April 2007, the Equality Commission will consult with young people in Northern Ireland and produce a publication aimed at promoting their awareness of equality laws. This publication will be formally launched and distributed during the latter half of the year

To highlight the progress already made in Northern Ireland in respect of its equality agenda, the chief executive of the Equality Commission for NI will share our experiences and knowledge of anti-discrimination issues and positive action at the forthcoming European Conference "Equal Opportunities for All: What role for positive action" on 23 April 2007 in Rome.

May 2007

The Commission commenced planning for its annual conference. A partnership approach was adopted, seeking input from key stakeholders, including NGOs in Northern Ireland that represent groups experiencing inequality.

23 October 2007

The Commission’s Annual Conference took place in the Hilton Hotel, Belfast on 23 October. Its aims were to:

• Develop an awareness of the issues relating to multiple discrimination among key decision-makers, and
• Stimulate debate on ways of including disadvantaged or marginalised groups in the workplace and in society as a whole.

November 2007

The Commission is aware that Northern Ireland society, as it emerges from conflict, needs to address the challenges that increased migration presents through concerted efforts to ensure that the host communities and the new migrants can work, live and learn in a mutually respectful environment and can celebrate the new cultural diversity that we are experiencing. During our annual campaign "Anti Racist workplace Week" which is held in November we will run a series of events and activities to:

• develop a greater awareness among young people of the contribution of minority ethnic people in Ireland
• increase awareness among minority ethnic people and migrants of their rights under equality legislation
• develop actions and resources to assist both primary and post primary schools in addressing anti-racism and interculturalism in their school.

Alongside these planned actions, the Commission also intends to run an "Equality for All" promotional campaign during the year to reinforce the central themes and ensure they are widely understood.

European Year across the UK

For background information and an outline of plans for the year throughout the UK, click here.

Useful links

European Commission - EU Year website

CEHR - Commission for Equality and Human Rights

OFMDFM - Office of the First Minsister and Deputy First Minister.