Written by Tobi Odanye, Research Assistant for RACE and BSWN placement student

The 22nd of August 2021 marks the second anniversary of the International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts or Violence Based on Religion or Belief.

The international recognition of this day, founded by the United Nations, represents an effort to raise awareness for what in the modern world should be respected as fundamental human rights. Indeed, as per Article 9 of the Equality Human Rights Act, “Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes the freedom to change religion or belief and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private”.

There are over 476 million indigenous peoples living in 90 countries across the world, accounting for 6.2 per cent of the global population. Although numerous indigenous peoples worldwide are self-governing and some have been successful in establishing autonomy in varying forms, many indigenous peoples still come under the ultimate authority of central governments who exercise control over their lands, territories and resources.

Food poverty affecting Black and Minoritised communities in Bristol precedes COVID-19, but has worsened because of it. COVID19’s devastation exposes long-standing inequalities which Black and Minoritised communities experience daily. Black and Minoritised communities live in overcrowded social housing/private rented sector, experience higher levels of unemployment, low pay, educational and health inequalities.