Organisations representing anti-racism and human rights groups criticise government action on racism.
Nigerian born Benedicta Attoh came to Ireland five years ago. Benedicta and her son have both been victims of racial abuse. Benedicta stood as an independent candidate in the last local elections and now speaks to schoolchildren about racism as part of her work with the Louth African Women's Support Group.
This group along with forty other NGOs have criticised government handling of race issues. The NGO Alliance Against Racism (NAAR) have prepared a report for the United Nations to shadow the government's report on the elimination of racial discrimination. The alliance is calling for a number of initiatives including the recognition of Travellers as an ethnic group, the gathering of more data on racism, and increased participation of ethnic groups in preparing government policy.
Marian Tannam from the NAAR, says that existing legislation is not adequate nor implemented effectively. It does not assist people who are experiencing discrimination on race grounds.
The government is due to publish its action plan against racism later in the week.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 25 January 2005. The reporter is Sinéad Crowley.
