Northern Ireland should have a new inter-agency forum to tackle racial inequalities and promote good race relations, according to a new report.

The finding is part of a new government survey drawn up by University of Ulster academics.

They believe the forum should be established to ensure a strategic approach to tackling racial inequality.

It would, according to the report, comprise of representatives from relevant government departments and agencies, non-departmental public bodies, voluntary agencies, minority ethnic communities and organisations.

Health and education

Earlier this year, initiatives to combat racism throughout the island of Ireland through crossborder co-operation were launched.

Events were held both in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland to highlight the benefits of multi-culturalism and raise awareness of racism.

The Equality Commission for Northern Ireland and the Irish National Consultative Committee on Racism organised the awareness week as part of their programme of north-south co-operation.

The organisations said they particularly wanted to focus on health and education in their campaign against racism throughout the island.

They published a booklet of inter-cultural guidelines for primary schools, launched a consultation guide promoting racial equality in health and distributed a resource pack for post-primary schools.

An International day Against Racism was also held.