| UNICEF
- REUNITING CHILDREN WITH FAMILIES IS A PRIORITY |
 UNICEF
said today it is concerned that children throughout the tsunami-devastated
region have been orphaned or separated from their families and are
in critical need of basic care. Executive Director, Carol Bellamy
said:"It is hard to imagine the fear, confusion and desperation
of these hildren." 
read more |
| |
| BOLLYWOOD
WANTS TO HELP TSUNAMI VICTIMS |
 While
some Bollywood celebrities have already reached out to victims of
the tsunami disaster in India, others are still shell-shocked and
wondering how they should help. Says Raveena Tandon: "I can't
believe so much human life has been destroyed in one sweep. It's just
too much to digest. We all must come forward to do our best."
read more |
| |
| BRITS
LOVE THEIR NEIGHBOURS |
 The
vast majority of people in England and Wales trust their neighbours
according to the main findings from the 2003 Home Office Citizenship
Survey. It suggests that neighbourliness is on the rise, with two
out of three people socialising with neighbours at least once a month
and an increasing number feeling that people in their neighbourhood
could be trusted.
read more |
| |
| AMITABH
BACHCHAN READY TO HELP TSUNAMI VICTIMS |
 Indian
superstar Amitabh Bachchan, moved by the human tragedy unfolding in
the aftermath of Sunday's tsunami, says he would love to do whatever
he can to help."Whatever is expected from me, whatever the government
wants me to do, I'm ready to do, no question about that," says
Amitabh. Expressing
grief and concern over the destruction and death, Amitabh, says, "It's
so painful and such a tragedy.... To see the visuals on television
is extremely painful."
read more |
| |
| INDIAN
CELEBRITIES LEND SUPPORT TO TSUNAMI VICTIMS |
 Several
celebrities in Mumbai are pitching in to help victims of the tsunami
tragedy. Businessman Viren Shah has decided to donate all the money
that he was to spend on his New Year bash to help victims. Bollywood
Director, Subhash Ghai, has announced that he is meeting Chief Minister
Vilasrao Deshmukh to chalk out a plan on how the film industry can
do its bit to help victims.
read more |
| |
| HINDU
FORUM LAUNCHES DISASTER RELIEF TASK FORCE |
 At
a prayer meeting held at Bhaktivedanta Manor temple on 28 December
2004, the Hindu Forum of Britain launched the Disaster Relief Task
Force (DRTF) to build a unified strategy for aid organisations in
the UK working with national calamities in the Indian subcontinent.
Organisations
that are members of the DRTF include the Hindu Forum of Britain, SEWA
International, VHP UK, ISKCON and many others.
read more |
| |
| TSUNAMI
SURVIVORS FLOOD CAMPS IN INDIA |
 UNICEF
is sending emergency items and staff to various relief camps and hospitals
in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu. An estimated 200,000 people
are in relief camps in Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Pondicherry. The south
of India has been gravely impacted by this weekend’s 9.0-magnitude
earthquake and resulting deadly tsunamis.
read more |
| |
| CHILDREN
ARE SUFFERING IN OVERCROWDED RELIEF CAMPS |
 Sahai
Radhika has her eyes wide open, but she is not talking. She has been
lying either on the sand or in her father’s lap at the relief
camp in Nagarcoil, the district headquarters of Kanyakumari district,
where it is estimated thousands of people have been killed and around
700 fishermen are missing.
read more |
| |
| UNICEF
AID FLIGHTS TO DISASTER ZONE |
 A
UNICEF-chartered plane carrying essential aid supplies for children
and families affected by the quake disaster is scheduled to arrive
in Sri Lanka on Thursday morning. The cargo plane, which left Copenhagen
on Tuesday night is carrying 15 emergency health kits.
read more |
| |
| THE
STRUGGLE TO REACH REMOTE ISLANDS IN THE MALDIVES |
 The
1,200 coral islands of the Maldives were devastated by tsunamis that
struck on December 26. Some of the country’s uninhabited islands
were completely washed away. Two-thirds of the Maldives population,
some 300,000 people, have been affected. UNICEF Maldives reports that
14,000 children, women and men have been displaced.
read more |
| |
| LANDMINES
RISK AFTER FLOODING IN SRI LANKA |
 The
devastating tsunamis that struck south Asia have displaced thousands
from their homes. These survivors face new dangers -- disease, lack
of clean water and sanitation facilities. UNICEF says that landmines
are also a deadly risk.
read more |
| |
| DEC
LAUNCHES TSUNAMI APPEAL |
 The
Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) representing 12 leading aid agencies,
has launched a television and radio appeal to deliver emergency aid
to hundreds of thousands people caught up in the tsunami quake. Donations
can be made by calling Telephone: 0870 60 60 900 or online.
read more |
| |
| UN
AIDS ASIAN TSUNAMI SURVIVORS |
 With
deadly diseases now stalking the survivors of the massive South Asian
tsunami that has already claimed an estimated 40,000 lives, the United
Nations today turned to the urgent task of providing clean drinking
water for millions of people. The
destruction of water & sanitation systems "is causing a humanitarian
disaster," said UN Emergency Relief Coordinator Jan Egeland.
read more |
| |
| UNICEF
CALLS FOR AID FOR ASIAN QUAKE VICTIMS |
 UNICEF
is rushing relief assistance to the countries hardest hit by massive
ocean flooding following Sunday's earthquake, working to meet the
urgent needs of hundreds of thousands of people who survived the tsunamis
but now need shelter, water, medical supplies and other urgent assistance.
read more |
| |
| CHILDREN
ACCOUNT FOR ONE THIRD OF TSUNAMI VICTIMS |
 Children
are likely to account for more than a third of those killed when massive
waves smashed into coastal communities across Asia, UNICEF Executive
Director Carol Bellamy said today. “Virtually no country has
a population with less than a third of its population aged eighteen
years or below and in some of the countries up to 50 per cent of the
population is young".
read more |
| |
| ASIA
EARTHQUAKE APPEAL LAUNCHED BY WORLDVISION |
 International
relief charity World Vision is delivering aid to communities in south
and east Asia after massive tidal waves were triggered by the world's
strongest earthquake for 40 years. The massive quake, measuring 8.9
on the Richter scale, struck off the coast of Sumatra sending a wall
of water across sea.
read more |
| |
| ASIAN
QUAKE - TSUNAMIS HIT SOUTH ASIA |
 A
series of massive tsunamis, caused by an earthquake in the Indian
Ocean, hit South Asia on 26 December 2004. Sri Lanka is worst effected
hit with thousands feared dead and countless others left homeless.
More than 18,700 people died in Sri Lanka, more than 4,400 in India
and more than 1,500 in Thailand, with numbers expected to rise.
read more |
| |
| HFB
SEEKS POLICE MONITORING OF RELIGIOUS HATE CRIME |
 At
a dinner hosted by the Metropolitan Police for British Hindus on 13
December 2004, the Hindu Forum of Britain asked the Police Service
to monitor religious hate crime by recording the faith of the victim
in addition to the present practise of recording the ethnicity of
the victim. “Religious hate crime is as important to tackle as
race hate crime" stated the HFB.
read more |
| |
| MAHIMA
CHAUDHARY URGES FANS TO KICK THE MEAT HABIT |
 Shown
walking in the clouds and holding a basket of flowers and fruit next
to the tagline “Be an Angel … Go Vegetarian”, Bollywood
star Mahima Chaudhary appears as a celestial being in a brand-new
ad for People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA). Mahima,
who gained national recognition with her debut film Pardes, wants
her legions of fans to know that they too can be “angels”
by adopting a vegetarian diet.
read more |
| |
| MORRIS
INQUIRY CALLS FOR MODERNISATION OF THE MPS |
 The
Morris Inquiry is calling for root and branch reform of the way the
Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) is managed. The independent inquiry,
set up to look into standards and employment matters in the MPS, makes
its call in its report, published today.
Sir Bill Morris, Chair of the Inquiry, said: “This is a radical
and ground-breaking report setting out a reforming pathway to change
both within the MPS and nationally”.
read more |
| |
| MUSLIM
SCHOLAR'S USA VISA REVOKED |
 The
Mayor of London's human rights adviser Yasmin Qureshi has expressed
concern about the treatment of Islamic scholar Tariq Ramadan, after
he resigned his professorship at an American university following
the withdrawal of his US visa.
read more |
| |
| HFB
DEFENDS NEASDEN MANDIR & VHP |
 At
a Home Affairs Select Committee hearing on 14 December 2004, the Hindu
Forum of Britain (HFB) vehemently refuted all allegations made earlier
by Jagdeesh Singh of the Sikh Community Action Network against the
Swaminarayan Hindu Mission Neasden and the Vishwa Hindu Parishad UK
(VHP).
Singh's inaccurate statement had caused outrage in both the Hindu
and Sikh communities.
read more |
| |
| MAYOR
APPOINTS MUSLIM HUMAN RIGHTS ADVISER |
 Ken
Livingstone has today appointed Yasmin Qureshi as his new human rights
adviser. She replaces Assembly member Graham Tope, who held the unpaid
post during the mayor's first term. Ms Qureshi, a barrister whose
experience includes two years as part of the United Nations Mission
in Kosovo (UNMIK), will champion human rights issues on behalf of
the mayor.
read more |
| |
| REDBRIDGE
CELEBRATES FOURTH COMMUNITY AWARDS |
 The
fourth Redbridge Cultural Association’s Awards night was held
on 10 December 2004. The Community Awards honour the borough’s
unsung heroes and promote Redbridge as a diverse London borough.
read more |
| |
| GAS
ENGINEERS CAN NOW SPEAK 100 LANGUAGES |
 A
ground-breaking new initiative - which enables engineers to 'speak'
in over 100 different languages - has been announced by British Gas.
The new "Language Line" is a translation service for households
visited by its 8,000 strong engineering workforce. The service has
been welcomed by Parmjit Singh Gill, MP for Leicester South.
read
more |
| |
| HIDING
WOMEN IS BACKWARD MUSHARRAF TELLS BBC |
 Hiding
women away in the home hidden behind veils is a backward view of Islam
and is absolutely wrong, President Musharraf of Pakistan told BBC
Newsnight. Presenter Kirsty Wark asked the President of Pakistan about
issues on ntegration following Pakistan High Commissioner Dr Lodhi's
criticisms of some sections of the British Pakistani community.
read more |
| |
| BACHCHAN
APPOINTED AMBASSADOR BY NELSON MANDELA |
| Indian
megastar Amitabh Bachchan was appointed by Former President Nelson
Mandela as a 46664 Special Ambassador today. The appointment was announced
by Chief Executive of The Nelson Mandela Foundation, Mr John Samuel
at the screening of the film 'Yesterday' at the International Film
Festival Of India. Mr Bachchan is widely known for his activism against
HIV / AIDS in India, however, his global profile would add a new dimension
to the 46664 campaign.
read more |
| |
| HONEY
KALARIA AWARDED A DOCTORATE |
 The
UK's Bollywood Ambassador, Honey Kalaria, was awarded a Doctorate
of Arts from The University of East London on Wednesday 24 November.
The Bollywood choreographer, dancer, singer, model and actress, was
presented with her Honorary Doctorate of Arts by the Chancellor of
UEL, Lord Rix, in recognition of her services to the arts as a leading
exponent and teacher of modern Indian dance.
read more |
| |
| CITIZENS
ADVICE WELCOMES NEW EQUALITY COMISSION |
 Citizens
Advice has welcomed the Government's response to its proposals for
the establishment of the new Commission for Equality and Human Rights
(CEHR). The problem-solving charity believes the new commission will
provide a major opportunity to tackle discrimination and promote a
culture of rights in the UK, particularly in gender and racial equality.
read more |
| |
| A
BETTER LIFE FOR DISADVANTAGED ETHNIC MINORITIES? |
 A
new project to improve the life chances of disadvantaged adults -
including disabled people and those with long term health conditions,
people with poor basic skills and some ethnic minority groups - was
launched today by Jeff Rooker, Social Exclusion Minister in the Office
of the Deputy Prime Minister.
read more |
| |
| ATTACKS
ON BANGLADESHI HINDUS CONDEMNED |
 The
Hindu Forum of Britain has asked British MPs to condemn the attacks
on Bangladeshi Hindus during the recent holy festival of Durga Puja.
The attacks took the form of demolition of Hindu temples, destruction
of Hindu deities, arson & personal attacks on Hindu worshippers.
“We seek reassurance that they will do everything in their power
to protect the rights of all faith communities" said Ramesh Kallidai
the HFB.
read more |
| |
| VANISHING
HERDS BALL RAISES £25K FOR INDIAN WILDLIFE |
 Virginia
McKenna was the guest of honour at the Vanishing Herds Foundation
(VHF) Charity Ball held on 13 November 2004 in London. Virginia paid
tribute to Diwali by lighting a special candle in front a deity of
Ganesh, ‘the remover of obstacles’. Jeffrey Archer and Rula
Lenska were among the stars at the ball that raised over £25,000
for charity.
read more |
| |
| WREATH
LAYING FOR SOUTH ASIAN ARMY VOLUNTEERS |
 The
Memorial Gates Committee held its second annual wreath laying ceremony
on 12 November 2004 at the Memorial Gates on Constitution Hill. The
ceremony paid tribute to the five million men and women from India,
Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, Africa and the Caribbean who
volunteered to serve with the Armed Forces of Britain during the two
World Wars. The Prince of Wales sent a magnificent wreath.
read more |
| |
| OBV
LAUNCHES COUNCILLOR SHADOWING SCHEME |
 Operation
Black Vote in partnership with Bristol City Council launched the country's
first Councillor Shadowing Scheme. The aim of this groundbreaking
project is to ensure that Bristol has more Black and other minority
ethnic councillors. A welcome reception to launch the scheme was held
on Thursday 4th November 2004 at the Lord Mayor's Office at Clifton
Down, Bristol.
read more |
| |
| BARNARDO'S
WINS AT THE BRITISH DIVERSITY AWARDS 2004 |
 Children's
Charity Barnardo's picked up the Fellowship Award at the British Diversity
Awards on Friday 22 October 2004. Barnardo's representatives Errol
John and Bhaggie Patel received the award - described as 'the highest
accolade' - from HRH the Duke of Gloucester.
read more |
| |
| RAGHAV
HELPS NSPCC PROTECT ASIAN CHILDREN |
 Asian
pop star Raghav is backing the NSPCC’s 'someone to turn to' campaign
this autumn. The campaign encourages Asian youngsters to call the
free NSPCC Asian Helpline if they have any worries or concerns, and
not to suffer in silence. NSPCC research has found that young people
who suffer from abuse, bullying and violence may bottle things up
and be reluctant to share their problems.
read more |
| |
| NEW
MEASURES TO END FORCED MARRIAGES |
 New
laws and a specialist taskforce to promote human rights and protect
victims are at the heart of a Government drive to prevent forced marriages,
the Home Office announced today. The new measures build on existing
work with public agencies, the voluntary sector and community leaders
to raise awareness of forced marriage and to encourage victims to
seek support and advice.
read more |
| |
| BALDEV
SINGH WINS TOP TEACHING AWARD 2004 |
 Baldev
Singh was announced as the Teaching Awards 2004 National Winner for
Innovation in Education on 24 October 2004. Baldev was presented with
his gold plate and a prize package for John Cabot City Technology
College worth £25,000. The Teaching Awards are the ‘Oscars’
of the teaching profession and aim to celebrate excellence in education.
read more |
| |
| CIVIL
SERVICE NUMBERS UP AGAIN BUT DIVERSITY ON TRACK |
 Diversity
in the Senior Civil Service continues to increase according to new
figures. Overall, the number of Civil Servants has also increased
by 2.6 percent despite earlier government assurances that numbers
would be reduced. At 1 April 2004, the number of permanent Civil Servants
was 523,580 (full-time equivalents), up 13,460. Representation of
staff from ethnic minority backgrounds, women & disabled people
has increased.
read more |
| |
| AMITABH
BACHCHAN - ‘HOTTEST VEGETARIAN ALIVE’ |
 Bollywood
hero Amitabh Bachchan, whose recent releases Baghban, Deewar and Lakshya
have added to his remarkable string of more than 150 films, has been
voted the winners in People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals’
(PETA) “Hottest Vegetarian Alive” online poll. For Amitabh,
this marks the third straight crowning in the contest’s three-year
history.
read more |
| |
| CRE
CHAIR BREAKS FIRST FAST OF RAMADAN |
 As
part of the Commission for Racial Equality’s (CRE) programme
on integration, Chair, Trevor Phillips, today broke the first fast
of Ramadan with a Muslim family, in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets.
Trevor
Phillips said: "Festivals
remind us that Britain is a nation of different faiths for which we
should have mutual respect."
read more |
| |
| HINDU
FORUM WELCOMES MORE ETHNIC MINORITY JUDGES |
 The
Hindu Forum of Britain welcomed the recent announcement from the Department
for Constitutional Affairs (DCA) in their unprecedented drive to recruit
more women, minority ethnic and disabled lawyers as judges. At present,
only 15.8 per cent of court judges are women, and just 3.4 per cent
come from minority ethnic groups. The HFB raised the issue of institutionalised
racism with the DCA early this year.
read more |
| |
| OFCOM
WARNED NOT TO IGNORE RACE |
 Broadcasters
could legitimately ignore race when vetting their output under a new
draft code proposed by the Office of Communications (Ofcom), the CRE
warned today. The CRE criticised Ofcom’s decision not to include
specific reference to racial and related offence. Trevor Phillips,
CRE chair, warned that that race relations could suffer as a result.
read more |
| |
| CHARITY
COMMISSION WANTS TO HEAR FROM ASIANS |
 The
Charity Commission is appealing for people from Asian communities
to join its new customer service network. The network will provide
an opportunity for feedback and suggestions on a wide range of Commission
policy and procedures.
read more |
| |
| FIRST
VSO VOLUNTEER FROM INDIA HEADS OVERSEAS |
 On
board Kenya Airways flight KQ 201 to Nairobi on Wednesday, Pushparaj
Mohanty created history by becoming the first Indian VSO volunteer
to depart from India. Pushparaj, from Cuttack in Orissa, was recruited
through the iVolunteer overseas programme. The programme started in
November 2003 and has recruited 27 Indian volunteers so far, who will
be placed within VSO's 34 country programmes.
read more |
| |
| ASIAN
YOUTH CONFERENCE DEBATES MEDIA, CAREER & CHARITY |
 This
year's Asian Youth Conference, held on Saturday 25 September 2004
at the House of Commons, was organised by Asian Voice newspaper and
focussed on the issues of Media Representation of Asians, Modern Asian
Culture and its effects on British Society, the effect of glass ceilings
on Asian Entrepreneurship, career progression and the route to 'Sewa'
for young Asians.
read more |
| |
| MICHAEL
HOWARD: GETTING A GRIP ON ASYLUM |
 Michael
Howard today said that immigration made Britain a stronger country
but that the current system needed to be reformed so that it was fairer
and more effective. He said firm but fair immigration controls are
essential for the national security and good race relations. He warned
that the current asylum system is chaotic, unfair and out of control.
read more |
| |
| ASIAN
ELDERS FACING A BLEAK FUTURE |
 Growing
numbers of ethnic minorities are facing discrimination and little
access to public services as they get older. New
research shows inequality in health care, levels of poverty, inadequate
housing, limited access to information and public services due to
language barriers and cultural barriers.
read more |
| |
| ASIAN
MAGISTRATE FOR LEICESTER |
 Harminder
Basra becomes the first person from the 2004 Operation Black Vote
and Department of Constitutional Affairs Magistrates Shadowing Scheme
to be appointed as a magistrate in Leicester. The scheme, which saw
Revinder Johal become a magistrate in Birmingham earlier this year,
aims to help address the deficit of Black and other minority ethnic
magistrates within the court system.
read more |
| |
| 'STOP
BUSHARRAF' MASS ACTION CAMPAIGN LAUNCHED |
 Hizb
ut-Tahrir Britain is initiating a campaign to call upon the Muslims
of Pakistan to remove President Musharraf, and replace his system
with the Islamic Khilafah [Caliphate]. The “Stop Busharraf”
campaign will culminate in a demonstration to Pakistan’s High
Commission in London on 9th October.
read more |
| |
| GREG
DYKE AWARDED FOR 'BBC HIDEOUSLY WHITE' REMARK |
 Greg
Dyke, former Director General of the BBC, has received an award from
Glasgow-based Empower Scotland, which was set up to fight racism and
xenophobia in the work place. He was presented with the award in London
by the Chair of Empower, Tesfu Gessesse and Brig Gandhi of the BME
Women's Resource Centre. The award is in recognition of Dyke's 'hideously
white' remarks relating to the BBC.
read more |
| |
| AMISHA
PATEL DECRIES ZOOS AS ‘PITIFUL PRISONS’ |
 Crouched
and cowering in a barren, concrete 'cell' next to the tagline 'Zoos
Are Pitiful Prisons – Let Animals Live Free!' celebrated actress
Amisha Patel, who shot to fame opposite Hrithik Roshan in 'Kaho Na
Pyar Hai' appears in a new ad for People for the Ethical Treatment
of Animals (PETA) India that focuses attention on the plight of animals
in zoos.
read more |
| |
| UK
ASIAN SOCCER CHAMPIONSHIP 2004 |
 On
September 12, Glasgow played host to the first UK Asian Soccer Cup
Final. This
year Rangers hosted the final at Ibrox Park. One
hundred and forty eight teams started out on the road. In
the final eight were SASA (Scottish Asian Sports Association) Scotland,
Bradford Albion, Rochdale FC, Derby FC, Sporting Bengal, Preston FC,
Wolverhampton Azard and Gravesend.
read more |
| |
| MORE
ETHNIC TEACHERS NEEDED TO IMPROVE EDUCATION |
 The
Mayor of London, Ken Livingstone has vowed to "increase Black
teacher numbers to improve education outcomes for Black children".
The Mayor's comments come in the light of new research being published
to coincide with the 'London Schools and the Black Child', the third
conference on Black education to be organised by the Mayor, with Hackney
North and Stoke Newington MP Diane Abbott.
read more |
| |
| MORRIS
INQUIRY PUBLISHES MPS SURVEY RESULTS |
 The
Morris Inquiry, an independent inquiry into professional standards
and employment matters in the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS), has
today published the results of a survey into professional standards
within the MPS. 15,616 MPS officers and staff responded to the questionnaire.
read more |
| |
| CITIZENS
ADVICE BUREAUX APPEAL FOR ETHNIC VOLUNTEERS |
 Citizens
Advice Bureaux across the UK today issued an appeal for more people
from black and minority ethnic communities to give up their time to
help the problem-solving charity serve the local community.
read more |
| |
| LOOKING
FOR THE NEXT GENERATION OF COUNCIL LEADERS |
 Operation
Black Vote in partnership with Bristol City Council is launching the
country's first Councillor Shadowing Scheme. The aim of this groundbreaking
project is to ensure that Bristol has more Black and other minority
ethnic councillors, and that local communities engage with the Authority
in all areas and at all levels of governance.
read more |
| |
| QUEEN'S
AWARD FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE NOMINATIONS |
 The
time is almost up for members of the public to nominate their local
voluntary group or community organisation to receive the prestigious
Queen's Award for Voluntary Service. This highly prestigious, annual
Award is designed to give well-deserved recognition to those who volunteer
their time and energy to help others.
read more |
| |
| ‘WHO
IS THE HOTTEST VEGETARIAN ALIVE?’ |
 Bollywood’s
monopoly of the annual poll conducted by People for the Ethical Treatment
of Animals (PETA) to find the “Hottest Vegetarian Alive”
was shattered last year when supermodel Yana Gupta beat 2002 winner
Esha Deol and Aditi Govitrikar to capture the title in the women’s
category.
read more |
| |
| HOME
OFFICE AWARDS GRANT TO HINDU FORUM OF BRITAIN |
 The
Home Office has awarded a grant to the Hindu Forum of Britain (HFB)
to conduct third party consultation workshops this autumn for their
‘Strength in Diversity’ white paper which seeks to implement
the Government’s community cohesion and race equality strategy.
The HFB is conducting the largest consultation exercise ever attempted
for British Hindus.
read more |
| |
| 93-YEAR-OLD
FAUJA SINGH IN NEW PETA ADVERT |
The advert shows a runner in mid-stride, training for his next marathon,
and reads, “Fauja Singh: Age 93/Champion International Marathon
Runner/Father of Six/Grandfather of 13 … Vegetarian”. Fauja
Singh, the man who, at age 81, rediscovered his passion for distance
running and, at 93, shows no signs of slowing down, has joined forces
with PETA to caution Asians about eating meat.
read more |
| |
| HINDU
COMMUNITIES SHOCKED BY JUDGES RULING |
 The
Hindu community in the UK were shocked to learn from three of the
most senior judges last week that a Hindu could not be offended if
their actions were compared to punishment in the Islamic Shariah law,
even if such comparison was made in a derogatory tone. The
ruling arose in the dispute between the Law Society and its former
Vice President Kamlesh Bahl.
read more |
| |
| SOUTH
GLOUCESTERSHIRE ASIAN PROJECT AWARDED |
 Bristol-based
voluntary group, South Gloucestershire Asian Project was selected
to receive the prestigious Queen's Award for Voluntary Service. The
Lord Lieutenant of Gloucestershire, Henry Elwes presented the award
on 30th July.
read more |
| |
| MIND
THE GAP! - SAYS RAM GIDOOMAL, TIMEBANK SUPPORTER |
 Voluntary
organisations in London are missing out on an untapped resource of
willing volunteers through their inability to reach people from local
ethnic communities, a new survey has found. The survey of more than
500 black and minority ethnic (BME) Londoners found that 62% of respondents
thought their local area needed improving.
read more |
| |
| CRE
SURVEY SHOWS LITTLE INTEGRATION WITH MINORITIES |
| The
CRE launched the findings of a YouGov survey today showing that the
UK's white majority population is integrating less with other communities
than the non-white population. Most white people (94%) have few or
no ethnic minority friends, while nearly half (47%) of non-white people,
say most or all of their close friends are white.
read more |
| |
| 'WINGS
OF HOPE' PLANS TO FIGHT ILLITERACY |
 Lord
Dholakia of Waltham Brooks OBE DI pointed to the 'real war' on Monday
12th July at the House of Lords. In his opening address he stated
that poverty, disadvantage and discrimination are the real war we
should be fighting against. He added, "Supporting Wings of Hope
is not just about clearing your conscience but doing something much
bigger than that."
read more |
| |
| FORMER
CRICKETER IMRAN KHAN IS AN ASIAN JEWEL |
 Former
cricketer and Pakistan team captain, Imran Khan, won a Lifetime Achievement
Award at the Asian Jewel Awards 2004 (Southern Region) last night.
Other winners included Baroness Usha Prashar (Lifetime Achievement),
Gurinder Chadha, director of 'Bend it Like Beckham' (Media & Arts)
and Sir Ravinder Maini, Professor of Rheumatology at Imperial College,
London (Healthcare & Education).
read more |
| |
| SIDELINE
THE EXTREMISTS SAYS HOME SECRETARY |
 Religious
and political extremists are a scourge of modern society who prey
on the most vulnerable and insecure, UK Home Secretary David Blunkett
said in a speech today. Mr Blunkett said the Government intended to
introduce an offence of incitement to religious hatred to help tackle
extremists who used religion to stir up hatred in our society.
read more |
| |
| RANI
RUNS 'EMERALD ISLE MILE' FOR BBC SPORTS RELIEF |
 Former
EastEnders actress Rani Singh will be running in Belfast this weekend
– in a sari and specially-designed jewellery as her salute to
the ‘Emerald Isle’ – to raise funds for BBC’s
first-ever Sport Relief, an offshoot of Comic Relief. London-based
Rani, who was EastEnders’ longest-running female Asian character
playing shopkeeper Sufia, has also starred in The Bill and Playschool.
read more |
| |
| STOP
& SEARCH USED INDISCRIMNATELY AGAINST MUSLIMS |
|
 Today's
Home Office figures revealing a huge 302% increase in the number
of Asians who were stopped and searched by the police in 2002/2003
serve to confirm the impression that since 9/11 "institutionalised
racism in the police force has gradually been morphing into an institutionalised
Islamophobia" claim the Muslim Council of Britain. The
Council also claims that: "The
figures also revealed that the police had an arrest rate of only
13% of those stopped and searched."
read more
|
| |
| BEACON
HUNTS FOR ASIAN CHARITY HEROES |
 The
Beacon Fellowship has launched its search for this year's winner of
the Beacon Prize which is awarded to any individual who has made a
significant contribution to charity, whether through resources, time
or specialist skills. The winner will receive £20,000 to donate
to the charity of their choice.
read more |
| |
| INDIAN
‘COWGIRL’ TO JOIN NUDE PROTEST IN SPAIN |
 Twenty-seven-year-old,
London-based Indo-American Poorva Joshipura, whose parents are from
Gujarat, is setting off to Spain to join an estimated 300 PETA (People
for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) supporters from around the world
to run through the streets of Pamplona two days before the city’s
annual ‘Running of the Bulls’ as part of PETA’s third
annual ‘Human Race’ on 5 July 2004.
read more |
| |
| CALL
FOR LOCAL ASIAN HEROES |
 A
search for people across England and Wales who have taken a stand
against vandals, thugs and noisy neighbours was launched by Home Office
Minister Hazel Blears today. The 'Taking A Stand Awards 2004' will
recognise individuals and local groups who have shown commitment and
bravery in tackling problems in their communities.
read more |
| |
| SUNRISE
SHINES AT NTL COMMERCIAL RADIO AWARDS 2004 |
 Sunrise
Radio, the UK’s first independent 24 hour Asian commercial radio
station, was presented with the highly respected award of Marketing
Excellence at the recent NTL Commercial Radio Awards 2004. The competition
was fierce with over 340 entries for 19 categories. Short listed along
side Century FM and Wessex FM it was Sunrise Radio’s time to
shine as it picked up the award.
read more |
| |
| ASIAN
HEADMASTER WINS TEACHING AWARD 2004 |
 Pritpal
Singh, Headteacher of the Drayton Manor High School in Handwell was
just one of three Asian Teachers to win at the Teaching Awards 2004.
Baldev Singh won the Innovation in Education Award for the West of
England area and Sarah Mukkadam won Outstanding New Teacher in the
East Midlands region. This is the sixth event since the Awards were
set up.
read more |
| |
| PARMINDER
NAGRA'S NEW ROLE AS OLYMPIC TORCH BEARER |
 'Bend
it Like Beckham' & 'ER' star, Parminder Nagra, took on a new role
as an Olympic Torch Bearer on Saturday 26 June 2004 at the request
of London Mayor, Ken Livingstone. Other Celebrity and Olympian torchbearers
included Richard Branson, Matthew Pinsent and Sir Steven Redgrave.
read more |
| |
| WINDRUSH
ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS 2004 |
 Rudolph
Walker (Patrick in Eastenders) and Art Malik (Zubin in Holby City)
were voted popular Windrush Fellows, the highest accolade, by the
32 national judges at the Windrush Achievement Awards 2004. Benjamin
Zephaniah narrowly beat Baroness Valerie Amos, Leader of the House
of Lords, for the title of Newsmaker of the Year.
read more |
| |
| INDIA
MOURNS DEATH OF FILM PRODUCER YASH JOHAR |
 Noted
Bollywood film producer Yash Johar died in India on Saturday 26 June
2004 of complications arising from a severe chest infection. Johar
had been on artificial life support at the Intensive Care Unit (ICU)
of the Leelavati Hospital since June 20. He was cremated at the Shivaji
Park crematorium on 27 June in a ceremony attended by the leading
lights of Bollywood.
read more |
| |
| LABOUR
BEFRIENDS INDIAN WOMEN |
 Labour
Friends of India (LFIN), the independent Parliamentary Group for MP's
which was launched by John Prescot in 1999, is seeking to engage in
a "Big Conversation with Indian Women" on 22 July 2004.
The
group has campaigned successfully in Parliament for further investment
in literacy and anti-poverty programmes in India.
read more |
| |
| O.B.E
FOR SHERE KHAN CEO, NIGHAT AWAN |
 Nighat
Awan, chief exceutive of the Shere Khan Group, has been awarded the
O.B.E. (Order of the British Empire) for services to export and to
charity. She undertakes charitable activities for a variety of organizations,
including The Prince's Trust, Business in the Community and Cancer
Bacup and the Pakistan Human Development Fund.
read more |
| |
| MUSLIM
GIRL LOSES CASE TO WEAR JILBAB TO SCHOOL |
 Fifteen-year-old
Shabina Begum has lost her case to wear the jilbab to school. A High
Court ruled in favour of Denbeigh High School which already allows
pupils to wear shalwar kameez and hijab as uniform. The School had
cited health and safety issues and peer pressure as reasons why it
did not wish to allow the wearing of the jilbab.
read more |
| |
| CRE
TO TAKE LEGAL ACTION AGAINST POLICE FORCES |
 Trevor
Phillips, Chair of the Commission for Racial Equality, today announced
his intention to commence enforcement action against 14 police forces
and 8 police authorities. This follows the publication of interim
findings of the CRE's formal investigation into the Police Service
of England and Wales. The investigation found that more than 90 per
cent of police race equality schemes failed to meet minimum legal
requirements.
read more |
| |
| VIOLENCE
OVER BOLLYWOOD FILM 'GIRLFRIEND' |
 Violence
erupted in two Indian cities Monday as protestors demanded a ban on
the Bollywood film "Girlfriend", objecting to its theme
of alternate sexuality. The protestors tore down posters and banners
of the movie that was released Friday. They smashed windowpanes and
name boards of cinema halls screening the film in Varansi.
read more |
| |
| MET
RECRUITS 2000TH ETHNIC MINORITY OFFICER |
 The
Metropolitan Police Service has recruited its 2000th ethnic minority
officer, surpassing a significant milestone as the Service strives
to employ a workforce that truly represents London's communities.
With a buoyant recruitment process in operation, the Met is looking
to build on this excellent progress as it drives towards achieving
the Home Office target of 25.9 percent ethnic minority officers by
2009.
read more |
| |
| MORRIS
ENQUIRY TO QUIZ 43,000 POLICE OFFICERS |
| The
Morris Inquiry, an independent inquiry into professional standards
and employment matters in the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS), is
distributing a detailed questionnaire to the 43,000 officers and staff
of the MPS. The survey aims to ascertain the views of as many MPS
personnel as possible on some of the issues the Inquiry is looking
into.
read more |
| |
| QUEEN'S
AWARDS FOR ASIAN COMMUNITY HEROES |
 The
Queen's Award for Voluntary Services today announced details of those
selected to receive the prestigious Award this year. Asian community
groups awarded include the Brent Indian Community Centre, the Indian
Muslim Welfare Society, and the South Gloucestershire Asian Project.
read more |
| |
| ANOUSHKA
WANTS KFC’S CRUELTY TO CHICKENS TO STOP |
 Longtime
PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) supporter Anoushka
Shankar has fired off a letter to Pete Bassi, chairman of KFC’s
parent company, Yum! Restaurants International, urging him to eliminate
alleged practices "such as scalding chickens to death in defeathering
tanks and breeding and drugging birds so that they grow so large so
fast that their leg bones break under their own weight."
read more |
| |
| ASIAN
WOMEN OF ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS 2004 WINNERS |
 Sandra
Howard, wife of the Rt Hon. Michael Howard QC MP, Leader of the Opposition,
stole the limelight at last night's glittering ceremony at The London
Hilton Hotel in Park Lane that saw nine leading Asian women pick up
the annual Asian Women of Achievement (AWA) Awards. Mrs Howard wore
a pale pink raw silk Indian outfit with chiffon sleeves complemented
with her own dazzling jewellery.
read more |
| |
| HINDU
FORUM SUPPORTED BY MAJOR POLITICAL PARTIES |
The official launch of the Hindu Forum of Britain (HFB) on Wednesday
26 May 2004, was co-hosted by the Lord Dholakia, Chair of the Liberal
Democratic Party, Stephen Pound MP and Peter Luff MP at the House
of Commons. It was attended by over 200 guests and included 40 MPs,
life peers and community leaders.
read more |
| |
| EMMA
AWARDS 2004 RUN INTO CONTROVERSY |
 On
May 24th, the Asian showbiz world came alive with the Ethnic Multicultural
Media Academy (EMMA) Awards, hosted by Rageh Omar. Although this year's
event ran into controversy for selecting David Beckham as joint winner
of the 'Sporting Personality of the Year' and Tom Cruise as 'Best
Film Actor' for 'The Last Samurai', other BME stars like Lemar, Adrian
Lester and comedian Inder Manocha were also winners.
read more |
| |
| ZAHA
HADID - FIRST WOMAN TO RECEIVE THE PRITZKER PRIZE |
 Zaha
Hadid, an Iraqi born British citizen has been chosen as the 2004 Laureate
of the Pritzker Architecture Prize marking the first time a woman
has been named for this 26 year old award. Hadid, who is 53, has completed
one project in the United States, the Richard and Lois Rosenthal Center
for Contemporary Art in Cincinnati, Ohio; and is currently developing
another.
read more |
| |
| NEW
RESEARCH ON ASIAN ARCHITECTURE STUDENTS |
 The
Commission for Architecture & the Built Environment (CABE) has
today launched the results of a unique study carried out by the Policy
Studies Institute into the experiences of black and minority ethnic
(BME) students in architecture. The study was established to review
BME application rates to schools of architecture.
read more |
| |
| JACK
STRAW SPEAKS ABOUT THE 'SOUTH ASIAN DYNAMIC' |
 Speaking
at the Commonwealth Business Council meeting in London on 19 May,
Foreign Secretary Jack Straw outlined the 'vast potential' of South
Asia, saying there is 'a great opportunity to create a virtuous circle
of security and prosperity'. He noted that the 'millions of ties between
people in Britain and South Asia, give a human dynamism to our business
relationship which helps trade and investment to flow'.
read more |
| |
| CHARLES
CLARKE LAUNCHES CITIZENSHIP PROJECT |
 Education
Secretary Charles Clarke launched Operation Black Vote's citizenship
project 'Understanding Power'. The project will enable 11 to 16 year
olds to explore the dynamics of power that influence their day-to-day
lives. By exploring areas of interest, the concept of power in other
areas - political, economical & social - no longer becomes a quantum
leap for young people.
read more |
| |
| ASIANS
FORM A COALITION AGAINST THE BNP |
 Operation
Black Vote (OBV) joined forces with Mayoral and MEP candidates, actress
Seeta Indrani and a broad coalition of faith groups and NGO's to campaign
against extreme right-wing candidates winning seats on the London
Assembly. The OBV campaign launched a 100-foot billboard poster that
reads 'Racists are now more dangerous than ever. They're voting. June
10th 2004.'
read more |
| |
| UK
CALL CENTRE INDUSTRY SET TO GROW |
 The
UK's call centre industry is set to gain around 200,000 jobs in the
next 3 years, according to a report commissioned by the DTI.The report
states that the sector is healthy, and is set to employ over 1 million
people by 2007, four times more than India in the same year. The UK
call centre industry has grown by almosy 250% since 1995.
read more |
| |
| ROYAL
SOCIETY STUDIES ASIAN ROLE MODELS IN SCIENCE |
 An
investigation into how role models can be best used to persuade young
people, particularly from ethnic minorities, to pursue careers in
science has been launched by the Royal Society, the UK national academy
of science. The study, supported by NESTA and funded by the Department
for Education and Skills, includes a online survey about career choices.
read more |
| |
| ROSHNI
- A RAY OF LIGHT FOR ABUSE VICTIMS |
 Roshni,
a new charitable organisation in Scotland, has been established to
help Black & Ethnic Minority children and young people who are
victims of abuse.
read more |
| |
| ASIAN
JEWEL AWARDS 2004 - MIDLANDS WINNERS |
 Birmingham
played host to the Asian Jewel Awards Midlands Region. Winners
recognised for their contribution to UK Asian society included Lord
Tarsem King, Nageena Khaliq (pictured), Perween Warsi, Apache Indian,
Javed Aziz, Dr Haseena Lockhat and businessman Nathu Ram Puri.
read more |
| |
| PAKISTANI
WOMAN REACHS THE NORTH POLE |
 Londoner,
Anoushka Kachelo, 24, is thought to have become the youngest woman,
and first Pakistani, to walk the last degree to the North Pole. After
eight days of hauling over 55 kilos across about 50 miles of the frozen
continent, Anoushka achieved her goal of reaching the Geographic North
Pole at 7.10am (GMT) yesterday, Sunday April 24, 2004. This
is only the first part of the young adventurer's Polar Challenge.
read more |
| |
| EMMA
AWARDS 2004 FINALISTS ANNOUNCED |
 On
May 24th multicultural Britain will come alive when the curtain rises
on the NatWest EMMA (Ethnic Multicultural Media Achievement) Awards
2004. This year's finalists include: Norah Jones, Parminder Nagra,
Lemar, Thierry Henry and Monica Ali for 'Brick Lane' among others.
The awards ceremony will be hosted by Rageh Omar.
read more |
| |
| ASIAN
WOMEN OF ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS 2004 FINALISTS |
 Finalists
for the Asian Women of Achievement Awards 2004 were announced today.
The awards applaud and celebrate the professional and personal achievements
of Asian women within the commercial, professional, artistic and humanitarian
sectors. Winners
of the AWA Awards, set up by Pinky Lilani, will be announced on 27
May 2004.
read more |
| |
| MEASURES
TO TACKLE MARRIAGE IMMIGRATION ABUSE |
 A
new programme of measures to help prevent abuse of immigration routes
to study or marry in the UK was announced today by Home Secretary
David Blunkett. The measures, developed over several months, include
an accreditation scheme for genuine colleges and specialist register
offices, supported by the Immigration Service, for marriages to foreign
nationals.
read more |
| |
| SENIOR
CIVIL SERVICE BECOMING MORE DIVERSE |
 The
Senior Civil Service continues to become more diverse according to
new Civil Service staffing figures released today. All figures have
increased since April 1998 in particular, improvements have been made
covering representation of staff from ethnic minority backgrounds
and the number of women employed in top management posts.
read more |
| |
| LONDON
LAUNCH OF THE MAGISTRATES SHADOWING SCHEME |
 David
Lammy hosted the London launch of the Magistrates Shadowing Scheme
which took place on 15 April 2004 at The Royal Society for the Arts.
"This scheme was launched nationally almost 2 years ago and sent
out a clear statement that the Lord Chancellor viewed the magistracy
as a body in which all parts of our communities should be engaged."he
said.
read more |
| |
BRITAIN'S
LEADING SOUTH ASIAN WOMEN  |
 Sparked
off by a remark that the Queen's reception for women high-flyers held
at Buckingham Palace had "too high a proportion of white faces
& should have been more multicultural", here is a list of
Britain's Leading South Asian Women. There are no gongs for being
included in this list and no awards to collect. Indeed many of the
women may consider it a curse at being so singled out!
read more |
| |
| FIRST
ASIAN WOMAN MAGISTRATE |
 Revinder
Johal has become the first Asian woman to be appointed as a magistrate
after taking part in the pilot Operation Black Vote and Department
for Constitutional Affairs Magistrates Shadowing Scheme. Her appointment
ceremony, held on Monday 5th April 2004 at Birmingham Council House,
was attended by newly appointed magistrates and the Lady Mayoress.
read more |
| |
| DES
BROWNE APPOINTED AFTER BEVERLEY HUGHES RESIGNS |
 Des
Browne MP has today been appointed Minister of State for Citizenship
and Immigration at the Home Office. His appointment follows the resignation
of Beverley Hughes MP, who stepped down following claims of misleading
the public on asylum numbers and clearance controls in some Eastern
European countries.
read more |
| |
| CRE
GIVES SPECIAL VOICE TO BRITISH MUSLIMS |
 The
Chairman of the Commission for Racial Equality today welcomed the
Muslim Council of Britain's latest initiative to help counteract terrorism
and announced the appointment of the CRE's own special ambassador
for Britain's Muslim communities.
CRE Chair, Trevor Phillips, said "The s decision to write to
all Imams calling on British Muslims to shun terrorists is good news."
read more |
| |
| HOLY
COW! PETA TAKES INDIAN GOVERNMENT TO COURT |
 At
a press conference today, multiple Grammy Award-winner Pandit Ravi
Shankar announced his support for PETA India’s initiative to
file a case in the Supreme Court against the Indian government for
failing to alleviate the suffering of animals used for leather and
meat.
read more |
| |
| BLACK
PRESENTER SACKED FOR BEING "TOO INTELLECTUAL" |
 BBC
Radio London presenter Henry Bonsu has been axed because his bosses
said he was 'too intellectual'. Whereas in the past, distinct Black
media voices were shut down in the name of 'multiculturalism', today
it is done under the fashionable banner of 'diversity'. The 'too intellectual'
taunt rings a bell.
read more |
| |
| ASIAN
RICH LIST 2004 - MITTAL STEELS THE SHOW AGAIN! |
 Friday
2nd April sees the publication of the annual Asian Rich List, the
official listing of the 300 wealthiest Asians in the UK. Compiled
by Dr Philip Beresford - author of the Sunday Times Rich List - this
year's list finds the combined wealth of these 300 millionaires is
£14.3 billion, an overall increase of an astounding £6
billion from last year.
read more |
| |
| SIR
BILL MORRIS REBUFFS MISREPORTING OF INQUIRY'S WORK |
| Concerned
by reports focusing on certain high profile cases and discrimination,
Sir Bill Morris opened the hearings of the Morris Inquiry this week
by stressing that the Inquiry is an independent inquiry focusing on
professional standards and employment matters in the Metropolitan
Police Service and not on race and community policing.
read more |
| |
| CONSERVATIVES
ATTEMPT TO EMBRACE MULTI-ETHNIC BRITAIN |
 Dominic
Grieve MP, Conservative Party Spokesman on Community Cohesion today
gave speech on community cohesion entitled "Multi-ethnic and
multi-faith Britain: a challenge for us all". The speech, which
set out the Conservative Party's vision for the future of multicultural
Britain was given in Kensington.
read more |
| |
|
OVERHAUL IN IMMIGRATION
& NATIONALITY DIRECTORATE |
 An
urgent overhaul of management and reporting processes in the Immigration
and Nationality Directorate has been put in place, Home Office Minister
Beverley Hughes announced. This will implement recommendations of
the EC Association Agreements enabling self-employed people from ten
Eastern European countries to set up businesses in the UK.
read more |
| |
| HINDU
FORUM OF BRITAIN LAUNCHED |
 Over
100 Hindu organisations from different regions of Britain united together
to form the Hindu Forum of Britain (HFB) on 20th March 2004. Member
organisations include regional Hindu Councils of Brent, Harrow, Birmingham,
Leicester and the North, other regional bodies and Temples.
read more |
| |
| NOMINATIONS
SOUGHT FOR WINDRUSH ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS |
 Nominations
are sought for the Windrush Achievement Awards 2004, a unique celebration
of members of Britain's African Caribbean, Asian and Oriental communities
who have outstanding achievements or made unique individual contributions.
read more |
| |
| IT
WORKERS WANT MORE WORK-LIFE SUPPORT |
 IT
workers are demanding a better work-life balance but over half do
not believe that senior managers are leading by example, according
to a new report out today. The report looked at flexible working across
the IT industry and was prepared for the Department of Trade &
Industry and the Women in IT Forum by Flexecutive. The
study was carried out among 1,000 male and female IT professionals.
read more |
| |
| SHABANA,
BARKAH & SANIA AMONG 18 WOMEN ACHIEVERS |
 Actress
Shabana Azmi, tennis champ Sania Mirza and journalist Barkha Dutt
were among the 18 women honoured for their achievements at a glitzy
event in Mumbai. The Whirlpool GR8Women Awards celebrated Indian women
who have become a role model for millions. The function organised
the television glossy, was conducted by Ruby Bhatia.
read more |
| |
| KAMLESH
BAHL v THE LAW SOCIETY - ROUND III |
| BOPIO
(British Organisation for People of Indian Origin) has called on the
Prime Minister, Tony Blair, to investigate Kamlesh Bahl's dispute
with The Law Society of England and Wales. In July 2001, the Law Society
was found guilty of race and sex bias by an employment tribunal which
ruled in favour of Kamlesh Bahl.
read more |
| |
| ETHNIC
STUDENTS IMPROVE AT GCSE/GNVQ |
 Pupils
from every ethnic group have improved in their GCSE/GNVQ results,
according to figures released today, although Chinese pupils are still
the best performing in all subjects and Indian pupils achieve above
the National Average.
read more |
| |
| GOVERNMENT
CLAIMS VICTORY AS ASYLUM NUMBERS DROP |
 Applications
for asylum fell dramatically in 2003 as a result of tough new measures
the Home Secretary claimed today. The
number of asylum seekers has fallen by 41% year on year from 84,130
(103,080 including dependants) in 2002 to 49,370 in 2003 (61,050 including
dependants).
read more |
| |
| BRITISH
AND NORWEGIAN MINISTERS DISCUSS SRI LANKA |
 Foreign
Office Minister Mike O'Brien met with the State Secretary of the Norwegian
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Vidar Helgesen, to discuss Sri Lanka.
Mr. O'Brien said: "I
would like to underline the British Government's full support and
appreciation of Norway's efforts, as well as the important role played
by the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission. The
elections on 2 April come at a crucial time for the peace process
in Sri Lanka."
read more |
| |
| JEMIMA
KHAN CALLS ON UK TO HONOUR ITS PROMISES |
 In
a statement made today, UNICEF UK's Special Representative Jemima
Khan has called on the public to get involved in a campaign to increase
spending on overseas aid. "I want to encourage the UK public
to fight global poverty by urging the Government to stick to a promise
that the UK made over thirty years ago, but which it has yet to honour."
read more |
| |
| UNICEF
APOLOGISES FOR IGNORING HINDU FESTIVALS |
|
 UNICEF
tendered a public apology after leaders of the British Hindu community
last week raised objections on the exclusion of Hindu and Sikh festivals
from its pocket diary. In the same week, MPs from the Conservative
Parliamentary Friends of India have tabled a House of Commons motion
calling for Hindu festivals to be included in all diaries produced
by public sector organisations.
read more
|
| |
| MAYOR
HOSTS CONFERENCE AGAINST HIJAB BAN |
| Mayor
of London Ken Livingstone today hosted a press conference at City
Hall, jointly organised by the Muslim Association of Britain (MAB)
and Muslim Women Society (MWS). The event coincided with the French
Parliament's vote on banning the Islamic hijab and other religious
symbols from public schools and workplaces throughout France.
read more |
| |
| ASIAN
JEWEL AWARDS 2004 - NORTHERN REGION WINNERS |
 The
winners of the prestigious Asian Jewel Awards (Northern region), sponsored
by Lloyds TSB and the Institute of Asian Professionals and recognizing
the achievements of Asian individuals in the UK, were announced last
night at a glittering ceremony in central Manchester.
read more |
| |
| BRITISH
FOREIGN SECRETARY TO VISIT INDIA |
| British
Foreign Secretary, Jack Straw, will visit New Delhi and Bangalore
from 5-8 February as part of a major British Government initiative
to work with the Indian government to further enhance the strong relations
between the two countries. On 6 February he will have a series of
calls on Indian Ministers, including on Yashwant Sinha. He will deliver
a speech on 'Defeating Terrorism for Global Order'.
read more |
| |
| DIVERSITY
EXPERT DELIVERS LANDMARK LECTURE |
 The
founder of the British Diversity Awards Elaine Sihera made history
yesterday when she successfully presented the first thought provoking
annual Diversity Lecture in the House of Commons. Championed by Lord
Navnit Dholakia, President of the Liberal party, and hosted by Simon
Hughes MP, a candidate for mayor of London, the pioneering Lecture
used current issues to examine diversity practice in Britain.
read more |
| |
| MAYOR
CONDEMNS PROPOSED BAN OF THE HIJAB |
 Commenting
on the proposed legislation by the French government on the banning
of Islamic headscarves and other conspicuous religious symbols in
state schools, Mayor of London Ken Livingstone said "I believe
that the proposal to ban the hijab and other conspicuous religious
symbols in French state schools is one of the most reactionary proposals."
read more |
| |
| LEGAL
AID SYSTEM "COLLAPSING", SAYS CITIZENS ADVICE |
 Citizens
Advice is warning that the modernisation of the legal aid system is
now in danger of collapse. Access to legal aid solicitors in England
and Wales is a postcode lottery with one in four Citizens Advice Bureaux
saying they are in an "advice desert", according to a survey
published today.
read more |
| |
| NEW
AGREEMENT ON INDIAN IMMIGRATION OFFENDERS |
| Indian
nationals without permission to remain in the UK will be returned
to India more quickly under a new agreement reached today by Home
Secretary David Blunkett. Mr Blunkett reached the agreement at a meeting
with Deputy Prime Minister Advani in New Delhi, India. The increased
co-operation of the Indian authorities will help to reduce delays.
read more |
| |
| TEACHING
AWARDS 2004 - LAST CALL FOR NOMINATIONS |
 With
less than a week left to nominate the unsung stars of the classroom
for the Teaching Awards 2004, parents, pupils, former pupils, governors
and colleagues are urged to put forward an inspiring headteacher,
teacher or teaching assistant. The deadline for nominations is 31
January 2004. The Teaching Awards were established by Lord Puttnam
CBE in 1998.
read more |
| |
| MORI
POLL SHOWS FEW TRUST ETHNIC DIVERSITY |
| A
MORI poll, conducted for Prospect Magazine, has shown that nearly
40% of people in Britain would prefer to live in an area where people
are from the same ethnic background as themselves. The poll has also
shown that Immigration/Asylum is now the third most important issue
facing Britain today, ahead of defence, crime/law and order and the
economy.
read more |
| |
| ASIANS
ON FAST-TRACK IN POLICE SERVICE |
 With
all the recent criticism of the Police Service, you'd be forgiven
for thinking that nobody would want to be a Police Officer these days,
but that is far from the reality. In the Metropolitan Service, thousands
applied during their last campaign & it has frozen new recruitment
until it can deal with all existing applications. The one exception
is in ethnic minority recruitment.
read more |
| |
| ARCHIVE
NEWS 2004 |
|
UNICEF
reuniting children with families
(12/04)
Bollywood
wants to help tsunami victims (12/04)
Brits love their neighbours,
new survey shows (12/04)
Amitabh ready to help
tsunami victims (12/04)
Celebrities lend
support to tsunami victims (12/04)
HFB launches Disaster Relief
Taskforce (12/04)
Tsunami survivors
flood camps in India (12/04)
Children suffering
in relief camps (12/04)
UNICEF aid flights
to disaster zone (12/04)
The struggle
to reach remote Maldivian Islands (12/04)
Landmines risk after
flooding in Sri Lanka (12/04)
DEC launches Tsunami Earthquake
Appeal (12/04)
United Nations aids Asian
tsunami survivors (12/04)
UNICEF calls for urgent
aid for Asian Quake Victims
Children account for
one third of victims (12/04)
Asia Quake appeal launched
by Worldvision (12/04)
Asian Quake - Tsunamis hit
South Asia (12/04)
HFB seeks
religious hate crime monitoring (12/04)
Mahima urges fans to kick the
meat habit (12/04)
Muslim Scholar's
USA Visa Revoked (12/04)
Morris Inquiry calls
for modernisation of MPS
HFB supports
Neasden Mandir & VHP (12/04)
Mayor appoints Muslim Human
Rights Adviser
Redbridge
celebrates 4th Community Awards (12/04)
Engineers
can now speak 100 languages (12/04)
Hiding Women is backward says
Musharraf (12/04)
Amitabh Bachchan appointed
Ambassador by Nelson Mandela (12/04)
Honey Kalaria awarded
a Doctorate (11/04)
CAB welcome new
Equality Commission (11/04)
A Better Life for
disadvantaged Asians?
Attacks on Bangladeshi
Hindus condemned (11/04)
Vanishing Herds Ball raises
£25K for Wildlife (11/04)
Wreath laying for South
Asian Volunteers (11/04)
OBV Councillor
Shadowing Scheme launched (11/04)
Barnardo's wins at British
Diversity Awards (10/04)
Raghav helps NSPCC protect
Asian kids (10/04)
New measures to end
Forced Marriages (10/04)
Baldev Singh wins
top Teaching Award (10/04)
Amitabh Bachchan - 'Hottest
Vegetarian Alive' (10/04)
Civil Service
numbers up, but diversity is OK (10/04)
CRE Chair breaks first fast
of Ramadan (10/04)
Hindu Forum welcomes more ethnic
judges (10/04)
Ofcom warned not to ignore race
(10/04)
Charity Commission wants
to hear from Asians (10/04)
Indian VSO Volunteer heads
overseas (01/04)
Asian Youth debate Media,
Career & Charity (09/04)
Michael Howard: Getting
A Grip on Asylum (09/04)
Asian Elders facing a bleak
future (09/04)
Asian Magistrate
for Leicester (09/04)
'Stop Busharraf' campaign
launched (09/04)
Dyke awarded for "hideously
white" remark (09/04)
Amisha decries Zoos as 'Pitiful
Prisons' (09/04)
UK
Asian Soccer Championship 2004
More
ethnic teachers needed says Mayor (09/04)
Morris Inquiry
publishes MPS Survey Results (09/04)
CAB appeal for more Ethnic Volunteers
(09/04)
Looking for the
next generation? (09/04)
Queen's Awards
2005 for Voluntary Service (08/04)
PETA - 'Who is the hottest
vegetarian alive?' (08/04)
Home Office Awards Grant to Hindu
Forum (08/04)
93-Year-Old Fauja Singh in new
PETA Advert (08/04)
Hindu Communities shocked
by Judges Ruling (08/04)
'Mind the Gap!' TimeBank Volunteer
Initiative (08/04)
Gloucestershire
Asian Project Awarded (07/04)
CRE Survey shows little
integration in the UK (07/04)
'Wings of Hope' plans to fight illiteracy
(07/04)
Imran Khan is
an Asian Jewel (07/04)
Sideline extremists
says Home Secretary (07/04)
Rani runs 'Emerald Isle Mile'
for Sports Relief (07/04)
Stop & Search used
against British Muslims (07/04)
Beacon hunts for
Asian Charity Heroes (07/04)
Indian cowgirl to join
nude protest in Spain (06/04)
Sunrise Radio shines at Radio
Awards (06/04)
Asian Headmaster
wins Teaching Award (06/04)
Nagra's role as Olympic Torch
bearer (06/04)
Windrush Achievement Awards
2004 (06/04)
India mourns death of Yash Johar
(06/04)
Labour befriends Indian
Women (06/04)
OBE for Shere Khan CEO,
Nighat Awan (06/04)
Muslim girl loses case to wear
jilbab to school (06/04)
CRE to take legal action
against Police (06/04)
Violence
over Bollywood film 'Girlfriend' (06/04)
Met recruits 2000th
ethnic minority officer (06/04)
Morris Inquiry to
quiz 43,00 Police Officers (06/04)
Queen's Awards for Asian
Community Heroes (06/04)
Anoushka wants cruelty
to chickens to stop (06/04)
AWA Awards 2004 - Winners
(05/04)
Hindu Forum supported
by major political parties (05/04)
EMMA Awards 2004 run
into controversy (05/04)
Zaha Hadid - First Woman to receive
Pritzker Architecture Prize (05/04)
New Research on BME Architecture Students
(05/04)
Jack Straw on The 'South
Asian Dynamic' (05/04)
Charles Clarke launches
Citizenship Project (05/04)
Asians form a coalition against
BNP (05/04)
UK Call Centre Industry set
to grow (05/04)
Royal Society - Asian Role
Models in Science (05/04)
Roshni - A ray of light for abuse
victims (05/04)
Asian Jewel Awards
2004 - Midlands Winners (04/04)
Pakistani woman reaches
the North Pole (04/04)
EMMA Awards 2004 Finalists
(04/04)
Asian Women of Achievement Awards
2004 - Finalists (04/04)
Measures to tackle Marriage
Immigration Abuse (04/04)
Senior Civil Service
more diverse now (04/04)
London launch
of new Magistrates Scheme (04/04)
Britain's Leading South Asian Women
(04/04)
First Asian Woman Magistrate
(04/04)
Des Browne appointed as Minister
for Immigration
CRE gives special voice to British
Muslims (04/04)
PETA takes Indian
Government to Court (04/04)
Black presenter
sacked for being "too intellectual"
Asian Rich List 2004
Sir Bill Morris rebuffs
Inquiry misreporting (03/04)
Tories attempt
to embrace multi-ethnic Britain (03/04)
Immigration Overhaul
Announced (03/04)
Hindu Forum of Britain (HFB)
launched (03/04)
Windrush Awards 2004
- nominations sought (03/04)
IT workers want more work-life
support (03/04)
GR8 Asian Women Achievers
(03/04)
Kamlesh Bahl v The Law
Society - Round 3 (03/04)
Ethnic Students improve
at GCSE/GNVQ (02/04)
Government claims
victory over Asylum fall (02/04)
British & Norwegians
discuss Sri Lanka (02/04)
Jemima Khan calls on UK to
honour its promises (02/04)
UNICEF apologises to Hindus
& Sikhs (02/04)
Mayor hosts conference
on French hijab ban (02/04)
Asian Jewel Awards
2004 - Northern Winners (02/04)
British Foreign Secretary to
visit India (02/04)
Diversity expert delivers
landmark lecture (02/04)
Progress towards full Visa
service in Pakistan (02/04)
Mayor condemns ban of the hijab
(02/04)
New deal on Immigration
Offenders (01/04)
Teaching
Awards 2004 - last call (01/04)
MORI Poll shows few trust ethnic
diversity (01/04)
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