Submission in response to the Ulster-Scots Language, Heritage and Culture Strategy Expert Advisory Panel Recommendation Report.
CAJ has responded to the Department for Communities (DfC) consultation on the Ulster-Scots Language, Heritage and Culture Strategy Expert Advisory Panel Recommendation Report. As a human rights organisation, our primary concern relates to how this strategy can progress compliance with treaty-based human rights standards.
Ulster Scots speakers have been recognised as a linguistic minority for over 30 years. Within our submission, we raise concerns about the recent shift towards having Ulster Scots recognised as an ethnic group. This is in part because the community encompassed by recognition of Ulster Scots as an ethnic group would likely be different to that of Ulster Scots speakers. Ulster-Scots as an ethnic group would align itself with a particular sub-section of the community (i.e. Protestant, British national identity, Scottish descent), whereas Ulster Scots speakers are drawn from across the community. CAJ is also concerned that a rush to push Ulster Scots recognition away from language could divert support and attention from required resolute action to safeguard Ulster Scots.
You can read our full submission here.