Our letter to COSLA (Scotland)
To Sally Loudon, Chief Executive, COSLA
The war in Ukraine and some issues for local authorities in Scotland
As Britain’s National Human Rights Institution (NHRI), the Equality and Human Rights Commission has been in contact with our partners across Europe about the war in Ukraine. I am writing with information that might be helpful for COSLA and local authorities in Scotland as you and your members take forward your statutory duties, and your responsibilities under the public sector equality duty of the Equality Act 2010 to eliminate discrimination, advance equality and foster good relations.
First, you will not be surprised that equality bodies and NHRIs in other European countries report that some public services are struggling to respond to the needs of people fleeing Ukraine. These include barriers to housing, education (such as dedicated language support), and healthcare including fertility and abortion services. While many councils in Scotland have experience in supporting migrants to integrate into communities and secure the specialised services they may require, they will need to remain vigilant to these concerns and take appropriate steps to respond to this crisis too.
Second, more worryingly, our European counterparts report an increase in discrimination against Ukrainian and Russian communities, including Russian-speaking communities and people perceived to be Russian, whether they are recent arrivals or have lived in their communities for generations. They report increases in anti-refugee sentiment aimed at people fleeing Ukraine. There are also allegations that Russians and Russian speakers have been fired or evicted due to their nationality, or asked publicly to denounce the actions of the Russian government.
And third, similar discrimination has been reported against refugees from Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller communities, who have faced prejudice that they are not ‘real Ukrainians’ and difficulty in accessing vital services and accommodation.
These issues may impact some local authorities in Scotland, especially if the numbers of migrants from Ukraine (and other countries) increase. I know that the COSLA already provides information and support to councils on these and related matters, and you may wish to bring this advice to your members’ attention. You are welcome to get in touch with us if we can provide further assistance, or if you or your members have information on these issues that you may wish to a share with us.
I am writing in similar terms to the LGA and WLGA.
Yours sincerely,
Marcial Boo
Chief Executive Officer
Equality and Human Rights Commission
Our letter to the Local Government Association in England
To Mark Lloyd, Chief Executive, Local Government Association
The war in Ukraine and some issues for local authorities in England
As Britain’s National Human Rights Institution (NHRI), the Equality and Human Rights Commission has been in contact with our partners across Europe about the war in Ukraine. I am writing with information that might be helpful for the Local Government Association (LGA) and local authorities in England as you and your members take forward your statutory duties, and your responsibilities under the public sector equality duty of the Equality Act 2010 to eliminate discrimination, advance equality and foster good relations.
First, you will not be surprised that equality bodies and NHRIs in other European countries report that some public services are struggling to respond to the needs of people fleeing Ukraine. These include barriers to housing, education (such as dedicated language support), and healthcare including fertility and abortion services. While many councils in England have experience in supporting migrants to integrate into communities and secure the specialised services they may require, they will need to remain vigilant to these concerns and take appropriate steps to respond to this crisis too.
Second, more worryingly, our European counterparts report an increase in discrimination against Ukrainian and Russian communities, including Russian-speaking communities and people perceived to be Russian, whether they are recent arrivals or have lived in their communities for generations. They report increases in anti-refugee sentiment aimed at people fleeing Ukraine. There are also allegations that Russians and Russian speakers have been fired or evicted due to their nationality, or asked publicly to denounce the actions of the Russian government.
And third, similar discrimination has been reported against refugees from Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller communities, who have faced prejudice that they are not ‘real Ukrainians’ and difficulty in accessing vital services and accommodation.
These issues may impact some local authorities in England, especially if the numbers of migrants from Ukraine (and other countries) increase. I know that the LGA already provides information and support to councils on these and related matters, and you may wish to bring this advice to your members’ attention. You are welcome to get in touch with us if we can provide further assistance, or if you or your members have information on these issues that you may wish to a share with us.
I am writing in similar terms to the WLGA and COSLA.
Yours sincerely,
Marcial Boo
Chief Executive Officer
Equality and Human Rights Commission
Our letter to the Welsh Local Government Association
To Chris Llewelyn, Chief Executive, Welsh Local Government Association
The war in Ukraine and some issues for local authorities in Wales
As Britain’s National Human Rights Institution (NHRI), the Equality and Human Rights Commission has been in contact with our partners across Europe about the war in Ukraine. I am writing with information that might be helpful for the Welsh Local Government Association (WLGA) and local authorities in Wales as you and your members take forward your statutory duties, and your responsibilities under the public sector equality duty of the Equality Act 2010 to eliminate discrimination, advance equality and foster good relations.
First, you will not be surprised that equality bodies and NHRIs in other European countries report that some public services are struggling to respond to the needs of people fleeing Ukraine. These include barriers to housing, education (such as dedicated language support), and healthcare including fertility and abortion services. While many councils in Wales have experience in supporting migrants to integrate into communities and secure the specialised services they may require, they will need to remain vigilant to these concerns and take appropriate steps to respond to this crisis too.
Second, more worryingly, our European counterparts report an increase in discrimination against Ukrainian and Russian communities, including Russian-speaking communities and people perceived to be Russian, whether they are recent arrivals or have lived in their communities for generations. They report increases in anti-refugee sentiment aimed at people fleeing Ukraine. There are also allegations that Russians and Russian speakers have been fired or evicted due to their nationality, or asked publicly to denounce the actions of the Russian government.
And third, similar discrimination has been reported against refugees from Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller communities, who have faced prejudice that they are not ‘real Ukrainians’ and difficulty in accessing vital services and accommodation.
These issues may impact some local authorities in Wales, especially if the numbers of migrants from Ukraine (and other countries) increase. I know that the WLGA already provides information and support to councils on these and related matters, and you may wish to bring this advice to your members’ attention. You are welcome to get in touch with us if we can provide further assistance, or if you or your members have information on these issues that you may wish to a share with us.
I am writing in similar terms to the LGA and COSLA.
Yours sincerely,
Marcial Boo
Chief Executive Officer
Equality and Human Rights Commission
