WCAR Outcomes on Employment - Summary
The WCAR Declaration expressed deep concern about racism contributing to disadvantage in the field of employment (Declaration para 31) and recognized the necessity of special measures to ensure that the victims of racism achieve appropriate representation in employment (particularly in the judiciary, police, army and other civil services) (Declaration para 108).
The Programme of Action (PoA) recommended measures be taken to:
1) Eliminate racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance in the workplace (PoA 29):
- Trade unions and the
business sector are called upon to advance non-discriminatory practices to
protect the rights of workers (PoA 107).
- States are alo urged
to provide effective access to administrative and legal procedures for victims
of racism in the workplace (PoA 108).
- The International Labour Organisation is encouraged to carry out activities and support States, employer organizations and trade unions in combating racism (PoA 155).
2) Improve the prospects of targeted groups facing the greatest obstacles in finding, keeping or regaining work, particularly those who face multiple discriminations (PoA 104 (c)). To this end, States, NGOs and the private sector are urged to:
- Create and implement
policies that promotes diversity in the police force and in other agencies
within the criminal justice system by actively recruiting from all groups
(PoA 74).
- Work with indigenous peoples to establish and implement programmes that provide access and training services that could benefit the development of their communities (PoA 16 -17).
3) Support the creation and growth of businesses dedicated to improving economic and educational conditions in disadvantaged areas by increasing access to capital and promoting enterprises owned by persons who are victims of racism by promoting access to credit and training programs (PoA 104).
Both the Declaration and Programme of Action singled out several main groups for specific attention in implementing the three main actions listed above:
- Migrants: The necessity
of eliminating racial discrimination against migrants, including migrant workers,
in relation to employment, social services (including education and health
and access to justice) was recognized (Declaraton para 51; PoA 30, 105).
- Women: States were urged
to involve women in decision making processes and ensure women’s access
to resources of production, particularly Indigenous women, migrant women and
those belonging to religious minorities (PoA 50-52; Declaration para 51).
- Indigenous people (PoA
16-17).
- Minorities (PoA 49).
Prepared by the Race Discrimination Unit, HREOC.
