Statement against racism

Racism is an abuse of human rights. The Medical Foundation recognises that, as an organisation concerned with human rights, it has a responsibility to oppose racism and other forms of discrimination in all its activities. The purpose of this Statement is to give effect to this policy, and the Statement will be made available to all Medical Foundation trustees, staff, volunteers and interpreters, who should familiarise themselves with it and abide by its terms.

The Medical Foundation recognises that its clients, staff (including volunteers and interpreters) and trustees come from many different ethnic backgrounds and nationalities. It further recognises that racism, whether intentional or unintentional, direct or indirect, internal or external, is a form of discrimination requiring particular attention.

 

The Medical Foundation, in accordance with Article 26 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights 1966, acknowledges that:

All persons are equal before the law and are entitled without any discrimination to the equal protection of the law. In this respect, the law shall prohibit any discrimination and guarantee to all persons equal and effective protection against discrimination on any ground such as race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status.

The Medical Foundation recognises that racism can be both institutional and interpersonal. In respect of institutional racism the Medical Foundation is concerned particularly with areas including:

• recruitment
• staff development and promotion
• service planning, delivery and daily working practice

In respect of interpersonal racism the Medical Foundation is concerned particularly with situations arising:

• internally between staff and clients/clients and staff
• internally between staff
• internally between clients
• externally as directed at clients

The Medical Foundation recognises that any event that is perceived as racist by the person subject to it should be addressed with a view to establishing whether that implication is justified and, if so, what action is appropriate. Staff should not tolerate or collude with racist views or actions and should bring these to the attention of their manager as a complaint, as a matter for discussion during supervision, or as a formal grievance, in accordance with the established grievance procedure. A formal procedure for receiving and acting upon complaints by clients will also be established.

The Medical Foundation requires all trustees, management, staff, volunteers, interpreters and clients to subscribe to and abide by this statement. Any breach will be taken seriously in line with the Equal Opportunities Policy. We will make this Statement against Racism available to other organisations and individuals with whom we work.

The Medical Foundation recognises that bodies external to the Medical Foundation contribute to racism and xenophobia in the UK which may have an effect upon our clients, staff, interpreters and volunteers and hamper our ability to provide services and carry out the aims of the Medical Foundation as set out in our Mission Statement.

The Medical Foundation stands opposed to such incidents of racism and xenophobia and will seek to promote a positive view of diversity inside and outside the Medical Foundation. Among other things, the Medical Foundation will seek to document incidents of racism against its clients.

The Medical Foundation recognises that clients' life stories are used to describe the Medical Foundation's activities as a charitable organisation working with torture survivors. The Medial Foundation will strive to ensure that such presentation of clients will not contribute to xenophobia or racism in the UK or the reinforcement of racial stereotypes in the UK and elsewhere.