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I write this final article as last and final chair of CRE Scotland with a mixture of sadness and anticipation. While change and transformation is an inherent feature of contemporary societies, there is always a fear that change might not necessarily be as beneficial as anticipated. It is therefore imperative that in the coming months those anxieties are properly understood and effectively addressed. The danger of not doing so will most likely result in a loss of the momentum of rapid change that the CRE initiated post McPherson. While there are several milestones in CRE history, very few can match the significance of the McPherson Recommendations, especially in terms of its impact on the Race Relations Act, which after several decades, was finally amended to provide some tangible power to the 76 Act. While for years, the CRE painstakingly, published codes of good practice, promoted the notion of good race relations and supported victims of racial abuse, substantive change was slow in light of the limited political will to view racial inequality, discrimination and abuse as a mainstream concern rather than one that related to a small minority of people. The CRE, over the years, has seen shifts form seeking so-called expert advice from the good and the great, to those in institutions, blaming inaction on the basis of limited understanding of the issue to tackle it head-on. Nevertheless, The Amendment of the Race Relations Act in 2000, served to jolt institutions and government bodies alike into action. This event not only challenged those of us who have worked unstintingly to eradicate the evils of racial injustice but everyone in society to realise that they too have a role in making a difference. The last 7 years has seen a growth in public discourse on issues of racial inequality and discrimination and new understandings of race as never before. Yet still there is a danger that many do not fully understand the fundament notions surrounding what racial equality means in reality and context-Is is simply about equal access to jobs and education? Or is it a case that we solve the problem if we prevent discrimination on the grounds of Race as stated in the law. We have learned at the CRE that the uniqueness of race and racial inequality lies in its complexities and that although different people might hold different perspectives on race, ultimately all have the central goal of achieving racial justice. The later in my view, will be crucial in keeping us focused on the agenda as the statutory responsibility for race transfers from the CRE to the CEHR. Failure to keep this focus would result in the significant progress that has been made to date. Continuity is a key ingredient to success, more so in the case of race since few contemporary issues in British society are as complex, sensitive and political threatening as race related matters. Our areas of work in the CRE often not only cut across issues of gender, disability, age, sexuality, social class, and religion, but they regularly involve experiences of individuals and groups of people who are differentiated by their ethnicity, nationality, national origin and the status of their citizenship. This the opens up a plethora human issues relating to senses of belonging, identity and civic and political participation. On a One to one dimension, an analysis of these experiences might appear simple but cross-tabulate the different factors and we have a mire. In essence, it is difficult to

choose collective good over individual experiences both are juxtaposed and regularly influence each other. It therefore fair to say that although CRE Scotland is be proud to leave behind a respectable record of achievement in reducing discrimination, we have only just touched the surface of the challenges that lie in. Pandoras box. As we close our doors, the CRE looks forward towards a new chapter in the struggle against racial discrimination. The next few years will be both challenging not just for the CEHR and government but also for individuals and communities alike, who will expect the same level of service, if not better. We will seek to be assured that a fine balance is maintained between the local and GB wide issues, that the devolved government is fully involved in shaping the equality agenda in general but also in terms of race and that there is equilibrium between the need to focus on race as an individual strand and race in relations to other issues, beyond gender, age, sexual orientation, religion and disability, each of which come with their own complexities. More specifically, in the case of Scotland, we would hope to see this sit neatly within the context of the Scottish Human Rights Commission. A very real danger here is to focus so wide that delicate nuances pertaining to the individual areas of humanity is rendered invisible. It is therefore crucial that the very many agents that have actively participated progression the work on Racial Justice remain intact, work together to ensure that the finger is kept firmly on the pulse. The CEHR and other government agencies will be seeking to work closely with our agencies and networks and the key challenge for the race sector is to address how we bring our diverse skills and achievements together so that we can be part of the change rather than being a witness to change or lack of change as desired. CRE Scotland cherish all that we have achieved in the last 50 years in regard to racial inequality and Racial relations and many staff, commissioners and key partners will continue to work towards racial Justice, many with and within the CEHR, some with Government agencies, as Nelson Mandela mentioned recently, it matters little whether we lead or follow, we all make equal contribution to making a difference no matter how small or large the contribution. One of the strongest legacy we leave behind in Scotland is our network of partners, many of whom have shown a willingness to be part of the solution rather than being seen as the source of the problem. This is something, I will continue to build on in my role as transition Commissioner in the CEHR and I will seek to continue to work closely with old and new friends to make the positive difference that we all so strongly desire. Hence while this is indeed, the final message from the Chair of the CRE, I feel certain that you have not heard the last from me! Thank you all for your support, advice and commitment Kay Hampton, Professor in Communities and Race Relations Chair, CRE and Scotland Commissioner

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