Youth Select Committee tackles racism and religious discrimination

The YSC is a British Youth Council initiative, supported by the House of Commons, which takes evidence in public and has its proceedings televised and recorded in Hansard. The eleven committee members are aged 14-18 and include Members of UK Youth Parliament, Youth Councillors, a Young Mayor, reserved seats and representatives from each of the devolved nations.

Bronagh Hughes, 17, Chair of the Youth Select Committee, said:

"Racism and religious discrimination are extremely important issues. Last year's passionate UK Youth Parliament debate highlights that young people feel more must be done to tackle this. It's important that young people engage with politics and as a Committee we are keen to hear what people have to say about this issue."

Inquiry  

The Youth Select Committee, now in its fifth year, will look at the following issues as part of its inquiry:

Awareness and Education

• How prevalent do you think racism and religious discrimination are?
• What role do, and should, the Government and other organisations play in educating and in enabling young people, parents and the wider community to explore racism and religious discrimination?

Services

• Who currently provides information and support to those who have been victims of racism and religious discrimination? Who should be providing it?
• Are young people aware of specialised services for victims of racism and religious discrimination?

Prevention

• What methods or tools are currently used within and outside the school environment to prevent or deter people from discriminating against others on a racial and religious basis (for example, lessons, workshops, online tools and videos)?

Call for evidence

The deadline for sending evidence to the Committee has been extended and will now close at 12 noon on Tuesday 7 June 2016. The YSC will hold oral evidence sessions in the House of Commons in July 2016.

The Committee invites and welcomes submissions from individuals, organisations and interested parties, including (but not restricted to) young people, those affected by racism and religious discrimination, related charities, local authorities, schools, campaigners, other enquirers, Government and Opposition Parties and any other interested parties on what changes could be made to awareness and education, services and prevention (respondents should note that it is not necessary to answer every question in these terms of reference).

• View guidance on submitting evidence

Further information

• Visit the British Youth Council website
• Visit the Youth Select Committee website

 Image: Parliamentary Copyright