To ask the Minister for Communities to detail the forward work programme for the Racial Equality Champion for her Department; and how that role is working with Arm's-Length Bodies to ensure the objectives of the Racial Equality Strategy are proactively being delivered.

The Racial Equality Champions Group, including my Departmental Racial Equality Champion, was scheduled to meet with the Racial Equality subgroup in March 2020 to discuss the co-design of a draft work plan.

This meeting was postponed, and amidst the unprecedented pressures associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, has not been rescheduled to date.

My Departmental Racial Equality Champion, continues to ensure that messages about the importance of racial equality and good race relations are consistent and visible to all staff including Non-Departmental Public Bodies and other service providers.

In addition, a meeting was held between representatives from the People of African Descent and my officials to discuss the UN Decade for People of African Descent (UNDPAD), which ends 2024.

My Department, as a ‘Friend of Mela’, will also be working with Belfast Mela festival organisers to see how DfC can be involved in the week long virtual celebration of world music, dance and art from the 24th - 30th August.

I am also committed to ensuring that all DfC Policies are reviewed through a racial equality lens, to ensure that due regard is given when designing or delivering public services and in line with current equality legislation and best practice guidelines.