The United Kingdom must take “urgent” measures in relation to the increase in racist attacks following the vote on Brexit and the persistence of discrimination affecting ethnic minorities, considered Thursday a British government commission. The Equality and Human Rights Commission published a report presented as the most ample study ever realized on ethnic minorities in the United Kingdom.
Although the situation for ethnic minorities has sometimes improved in the last five years, life for many has become more difficult, the commission highlighted.
“Ethinc minorities are more susceptible to being victims of crimes or being treated more harshly by the judicial system,” the report stated.
Moreover, xenophobic crimes have seen a “peak without precedents” in England and Whales following the British vote in favour of leaving the European Union on 23 June.
“The hard-earned reputation of our country for tolerance is definitely facing the greatest threat it has seen in decades, with supporters of leaving the EU employing the referendum result to legitimize their points of view,” cautions the report.
Inequalities also exist in the work environment, with persons with higher studies belonging to minorities having significantly less chance of finding work than non-minorities, according to the report.
Regarding salaries, minorities with post-secondary studies are on average paid 23.1% less than non-minorities.
“The combination of a post-Brexit increase in hate crimes and deep ethnic inequalities in the United Kingdom are cause for great concern and must be dealt with the utmost urgency,” declared the head of the Equality and Human Rights Commission, David Isaac, in a communiqué.
“If you come from an ethnic minority, you often have the feeling of living in a different world,” he regretted, calling upon the Conservative government of Theresa May to “redouble efforts.”
O. Apelblat
The Brussels Times
