Project Esperanza SCIO

Constitutional objectives

4 The organisation’s purposes are: 1. Promotion of Equality and Diversity The organisation challenges inequalities and discrimination faced by migrant Africans, aligning with key international human rights law and declarations, as well as UK and Scottish national legislation pertaining to human rights. Specifically, our organisations work aligns with the following: - Article 1 and Article 2 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR, 1948), which guarantee equality and prohibit discrimination - The Convention Elimination Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW, 1979) by advocating for migrant women and families in Edinburgh, promoting gender equality, addressing specific challenges, and ensuring their full integration and participation in society. - Article 2 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC, 1989), which protects against discrimination, particularly for women and children. - International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (1965) by actively combating racial discrimination, advocating for the rights of migrant African families, and promoting their integration into society. - The 1951 Refugee Convention and 1967 Protocol, this organization affirms the right of all individuals to seek asylum, as outlined in Article 14 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR, 1948). We are committed to supporting asylum seekers, ensuring their protection and fair treatment, and advocating for their rights without discrimination. 3 These documents, hereafter referred to by their respective acronyms, will be discussed in greater detail throughout the remainder of the purposes section of the constitution. 2. Advancement of Citizenship By supporting the integration of migrant African families into Scottish society, the organisation promotes active citizenship in line with Article 15 of the UDHR (right to nationality) and Article 7 of the UNCRC, which protects children's right to nationality and encourages their integration. 3. Relief of Those in Need The organisation alleviates hardship by supporting vulnerable individuals facing poverty, marginalisation, and trauma resulting from migration. We prioritise support for care-experienced individuals, pregnant women, those who are homeless, people with vulnerable migration statuses such as No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF), and survivors of gender-based violence and domestic abuse. Our work aligns with key human rights frameworks, including Article 25 of the UDHR, which affirms the right to an adequate standard of living, and Article 27 of the UNCRC, which guarantees the right of children to living standards adequate for their development. Additionally, we uphold Article 3 of CEDAW Convention, ensuring the full development and advancement of women, and Article 12 of ICESCR, which recognises the right to the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health. Through tailored support, advocacy and integration we address the critical needs of these groups, advancing dignity, equity, and resilience. 4. Advancement of Arts, Heritage, and Culture By promoting African cultural heritage, the organisation upholds Article 27 of the UDHR, which supports cultural participation, and aligns with CEDAW (Article 13), ensuring cultural rights for women and their full participation in society. 4 5. Human Rights-Based Youth Work and Professional Training The organisation works with young people of African descent to promote human rights education, empowering them to advocate for their rights, in line with Article 2, Article 15, and Article 29 of the UDHR and the UNCRC. We also offer human rights-based and anti-racist training for professionals in the social and educational sectors, supporting Article 7 of the UDHR, CEDAW, and UNCRC provisions on equality, inclusion, and non-discrimination.