The fight against racial discrimination must be an integral part of poverty reduction and inclusion policies, according to a national charity.

The Black Training and Enterprise Group (BTEG) has released a new briefing paper entitled “Poverty and Social and Economic Exclusion” to raise awareness of the markedly different economic situation of many Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities. The briefing highlights that for all ages, family types and work statuses, BAME people are much more likely to be in income poverty than White British people: 40% of people from ethnic minorities are in income poverty, twice the rate for White people. Children from BAME groups are at particular risk of poverty, they were found to be poorer than both White children and adults from their own ethnic groups. Around 70% of Bangladeshi children were found to be poor.

In order to prevent those most vulnerable from falling into poverty, racial discrimination and structural inequalities must take precedence in policies to promote inclusion and alleviate poverty.

“An exit strategy from the crisis must be accompanied by an exit strategy from poverty that builds in concrete equality and anti-discrimination measures and national, regional and local targets. BTEG calls on the government to design a policy strategy that designates responsibilities and a timetable for reviewing progress towards targets and which is supported by reliable and regularly updated data. The link between structural inequalities and exclusion must be reaffirmed. ”

"While the UK government does recognize the need for targeted interventions, it is time to take Civil Society’s voice into account and ensure that BAME individuals and migrants act as strategic partners in the fight against poverty and social exclusion. Living in poverty is a violation of human rights. We must work together to alleviate poverty and all forms of exclusion."

Download the briefing:

BTEG Policy Document - Poverty Version:2
2010-10-22  2.23 MB  299

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Notes

1. BTEG is a small national charity which was set up in 1991 by black and minority ethnic (BME) voluntary and community organisations from across the country with the support of the National Council for Voluntary Organisations. The charity works tirelessly to support local BME groups that help people into work.

2. For more information about this briefing paper contact Mr. Jeremy Crook, Director. Tel: 0207 843 6110 or email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

3. Jeremy Crook OBE, Executive Director of BTEG is a member of the Department for Communities and Local Government Voluntary and Community Sector Partnership Board and the Vice Chair of the DWP’s Ethnic Minority Advisory Group, which advises Ministers.

Contact: Jeremy Crook, Director, Black Training and Enterprise Group

Lancaster House, 31-33 Islington High Street, London N1 9LH

Tel: 020 7843 6110 Mobile: 07766114877

Registered charity No: 1056043