The Irish Government has appointed Dr. Ebun Joseph as Special Rapporteur for the National Plan Against Racism (NAPAR), which was launched last year and aims to make Ireland a place where the impacts of racism are acknowledged and addressed.
Dr. Jospeh is a diversity and race relations consultant and the CEO and founder of the Institute of Antiracism and Black Studies. She is also a lecturer on black studies at University College Dublin and the founder of the African Scholars Association Ireland.
As Special Rapporteur, Dr. Joseph will chair an Advisory Group on Racism and Racial Equality, facilitating evidence-based implementation of the action plan.
She will also monitor progress toward the objectives of the NAPAR and make annual reports to Minister of State for Integration Joe O'Brien. This report will be submitted to the relevant Oireachtas committees.
Dr. Joseph will have the authority to request data and information from various public bodies to support her in carrying out the role.
Meanwhile, the Advisory Committee will feature members from a cross-section of Irish society and will also monitor the progress of the NAPAR.
Minister O'Brien said the appointment of Dr. Jospeh as Special Rapporteur and the launch of the NAPAR Advisory Committee "are hugely important steps".
Congratulations to our CEO, @EbunJoseph1 who has just been appointed as the Special Rapporteur on racial equality and racism in Ireland by Minister @joefingalgreen to monitor the implementation of the NAPAR with the appointment of an advisory team. Congrats and well done you all. pic.twitter.com/Q7IkfoTqJo
— Institute of Antiracism and Black Studies (@OfAntiracism) July 6, 2024
"The appointment of Dr Ebun Joseph as Special Rapporteur and the establishment of an independent Advisory Committee on Racism and Racial Equality is are hugely important steps in the government’s commitment to tackling racism throughout society. These appointments are integral to the support systems established under the NAPAR and will be critical to the successful implementation of the plan," O'Brien said in a statement.
O'Brien has also announced that applications can now be made for the Ireland Against Racism Fund, a key part of the NAPAR.
The Ireland Against Racism Fund provides funding for national and local initiatives that aim to combat racism and foster racial equality and community cohesion.
National and regional projects can avail of between €50,000 and €100,000 as part of the fund, while local projects can avail of grants between €5,000 and €10,000.
All applications must be submitted by August 7.
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