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Anti-Racism Charter

Racism exists in the development sector as it exists in wider society. Therefore, we must acknowledge how it manifests and take action to address the negative impacts it can have on ourselves, our colleagues, and the communities we work with. The aid sector exists to alleviate poverty, but the power dynamics of aid can reinforce power structures and systems that grew through colonisation. We must recognise this, and work with our partners openly and honestly to address racism.

Sign the Anti-Racism Charter

The Welsh Government’s Wales and Africa Programme seeks to increase solidarity and partnership globally. It is not enough to be non-racist; we should move forward to be an actively anti-racist sector, ensuring we don’t perpetuate racist behaviours and systems when working with racialised communities, in Wales and Africa.

This charter is for small charities and community groups based in Wales who work internationally, in particular with partner NGOs and community groups in Sub-Saharan Africa, on development or solidarity projects and activities.

We encourage all groups and individuals working in this sector to sign up and actively deliver the commitments in this Anti-Racism Charter. Hub Cymru Africa and the Sub-Sahara Advisory Panel can support groups and individuals to realise the aims of the charter through the toolkit below and free annual training sessions.

The Anti-Racism Charter

1. We commit to addressing racism. It is everyone’s problem, not the burden of a single group of people alone, and ending it is beneficial to all

2. We will use our positions to challenge racism where we see it, think critically about the racist structures we unknowingly uphold, and dismantle them

3. We will work in a manner which recognises and prioritises in-country expertise and knowledge to lead our work and support this with an equitable pay structure

4. We will commit to taking ownership of developing our own deeper understanding of the issues of racism and how they impact our thinking

5. We are an organisation that welcomes critical feedback, with a view to learning and improving our work. We will act without defensiveness or negative repercussions for those highlighting racist or colonial practices and create accountability mechanisms within our work

6. We will review all of our policies regularly, with an anti-racist and intersectional lens and seek expert help when needed

7. We commit to actively improving the diversity of our boards, teams and volunteers to achieve more informed and equitable decision-making

8. We will adopt appropriate and thoughtful language, storytelling and images. We recognise that they have meaning, can cause harm and can reinforce racism

9. We will ensure all work takes a social justice approach, to promote the self-sufficiency of all partners including equity in opportunities

10. We will always promote sustainability (Social, Human, Economic and Environmental) in our work, and partnerships

11. We will consider the wider global injustices in our work and consider the negative impact of our actions on the climate and environment and mitigate them, acknowledging that the people with the lowest carbon footprint are the ones that feel the greatest impact

12. We will commit to involving our partners, board, volunteers and broader audience in our work on this charter.

Sign the Anti-Racism Charter Anti-Racism Charter Toolkit Anti-Racism Self Assessment Tool

See who has already signed the charter

Size of Wales logo
Teams4U logo
BAFTS logo
Days for Girls UK logo
Dolen Cymru Logo
SWIDN logo
SUP Community Initiative Africa

Need help with the Anti-Racism Charter?

We’re happy to answer any questions you may have or help you on your anti-racism journey. Please get in touch if you need any support.

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