To ask the Minister for Communities what actions her Department is taking to ensure the Racial Equality Strategy 2015-2025 objectives are being met; and on what date she intends to publish a report confirming the approach it is taking towards achieving the strategy goals.

I previously set out how my Departmental Racial Equality Champion, as part of the NICS Racial Equality Champions Group, was due to meet with the Racial Equality subgroup in March 2020 to discuss the co-design of a draft work plan (AQW 5291/17-22 refers).

It is my expectation that, in addition to ensuring synergy across all Departments to achieve the goals of the strategy, the work plan will set out how we report our progress towards achieving the objectives and goals of the Racial Equality Strategy 2015-2020.

As I have outlined previously, in the absence of an agreed work plan 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.

My Department also arranged a Race Champion Awareness Session where colleagues were invited to develop a greater understanding of racial equality issues and incorporate the spirit and practicalities of the Racial Equality Strategy into their everyday work. The key speaker, Neil McKitterick from Barnardo’s NI Refugee Support Service, provided an overview of the refugee experience here in NI.

As a ‘Friend of Mela’, work is ongoing 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 remain committed to ensuring that due regard is given to racial equality when designing or delivering public services and in line with current equality legislation and best practice guidelines.