London: Bhai Amrik Singh, the Chair of the Sikh Federation (UK) said “The Commission on Race and Ethnic Disparities 264-page report published today is hugely disappointing and a whitewash.”
“As far as we are concerned institutional discrimination exists and has been exposed further during the pandemic.”
“We responded to the consultation, but the report fails to acknowledge many of the specific issues we raised relating to the Sikh community.”
Amrik Singh Gill, Chairman Sikh Federation UK [File Photo]
“Institutional discrimination against Sikhs continues un-recognised and un-addressed, including the discrimination against Sikhs reinforced by the Census 2021.”
“Despite responses from the Sikh community the report makes virtually no mention of Sikhs although we are a legally recognised ethnic as well as religious group, but this may be explained by the make-up of the 12-member Commission that has no Sikh representation.”
“We are hugely disappointed the Commission has overlooked public bodies are collecting no data whatsoever on Sikhs to monitor disparity as highlighted by the PMs Race Disparity Audit.”
“Some of the recommendations on achieving inclusivity, such as an inclusive curriculum, use of data and moving away from the term BAME are helpful.”
“However, the recommendations do not go far enough to address the concerns we raised on the absolute need for the collection of good quality data on Sikhs to assess inequalities in healthcare, education and hate crimes.”