Shared Future policy published

Government's policy and strategic framework for good relations in Northern Ireland has been published by Minister John Spellar. The final version is much improved from the draft which was circulating at the beginning of this year and has taken on board many of the suggestions from the voluntary and community organisations who made comments.

The document now has a clear vision: "The establishment over time of a normal, civic society, in which all individuals are considered as equals, where differences are resolved through dialogue in the public sphere, and where all people are treated impartially. A society where there is equity, respect for diversity and a recognition of our interdependence."

New objectives for a Shared Future

There is also now more background and context to the document and a real sense of commitment to bringing about change. There is a series of policy objectives which flow from the vision above. These include:

• eliminate sectarianism, racism and all forms of prejudice to enable people to live and work without fear of intimidation
• reduce tension and conflict at interface areas
• facilitate the development of a shared community where people wish to learn, live, work and play together
• promote civic mindedness via citizenship education
• protect members of minorities (whether for example by religion, race or other grounds) and mixed marriages from intimidation and ensure perpetrators are brought to justice
• ensure that all public services are delivered impartially and guided by economy, efficiency and effectiveness
• shape policies, practices and institutions to enable trust and good relations to grow.

The document then contains a number of sections setting out how government hopes to tackle issues such as neutral public spaces, the visible manifestations of sectarianism and racism, education, cultural diversity, tensions at interface areas and developing shared communities. There is an enhanced role for the Community Relations Council in overseeing some of the implementation of the new policy and a role for local councils in developing plans for their areas.

The next step now is to develop a triennial plan for publication in the autumn with specific actions to deliver the policy objectives. OFMDFM indicated in meetings earlier in the year that stakeholders outside government will be involved in the development of the action plan.

The document can be read in full at www.asharedfutureni.gov.uk