Glasgow Anti-Racist Alliance
Former name of the Coalition for Racial Equality and Rights, a Scottish anti-racism charity
| Glasgow Anti-Racist Alliance | |
|---|---|
| Type | Anti-racism charity (defunct name) |
| Founded | |
| Founder(s) | Jatin Haria |
| Dissolved | 2010 (rebranded) |
| Registration ID | SC196218 (as registered company) |
| Status | |
| Headquarters | |
| Location | Glasgow, Scotland |
| Area served | Scotland |
| Services | |
| Registration | |
| Key people | Jatin Haria (founder and leader) Jelina Rahman-Berlow (Chair 2005–2008) |
| Website | [No verified link available] (predecessor to current CRER site) |
| Remarks | |
The Glasgow Anti-Racist Alliance (GARA) was a Scottish anti-racism organisation founded in 1999 and based in Glasgow.[1] It focused on eliminating racial discrimination and harassment while promoting racial justice, initially as a local initiative before evolving into a broader entity.[2] The organisation was rebranded in 2010 as the Coalition for Racial Equality and Rights (CRER), expanding its remit to a national level in Scotland.[3]
Founded by Jatin Haria, who had previously been involved in anti-racism work including as former secretary of Black Sections and chair of Unison's Black Members Committee, the Glasgow Anti-Racist Alliance emerged in response to local needs identified through initiatives such as Glasgow City Council's Task Force Against Racism.[4] Under Haria's leadership as executive director, and with Jelina Rahman serving as Chair from 2005 to 2008, GARA supported community efforts, participated in campaigns against racism, and engaged in projects addressing racial harassment in Glasgow.[5][6]
Jelina Rahman, a human rights solicitor specialising in immigration, asylum, family, and equality law, chaired GARA during a period of consolidation and active local advocacy.[6] She had earlier served as Secretary of the registered company (from September 2002) and became a Director in March 2006, continuing in that role until August 2010, shortly after the rebranding to CRER.[7] This involvement bridged the organisation's transition from a Glasgow-focused group to a Scotland-wide coalition.[1]
The organisation played a role in early anti-racist efforts in Scotland, including coordination of events, youth projects, and advocacy for policy changes.[3] In the late 2000s, with support from Glasgow City Council, it transitioned into the Coalition for Racial Equality and Rights, reflecting a shift to a more strategic, national focus on systemic racism and racial equality.[8] Jatin Haria continued as executive director of the successor organisation until his retirement in 2025, while Rahman's direct involvement concluded around the 2010 rebrand.[3][7]
History
The Glasgow Anti-Racist Alliance was established in 1999 following findings from Glasgow City Council's anti-racism task force.[9] It operated under the name GARA and was registered as such until the name change to Coalition for Racial Equality and Rights in June 2010.[1] Key activities included supporting anti-racist marches, youth anti-harassment projects, and community networking.[10]
In the early 2000s, GARA collaborated on initiatives addressing racial harassment and promoting equality in Glasgow.[11] Jelina Rahman's chairmanship from 2005 to 2008 coincided with efforts to strengthen governance and community representation.[6] By the late 2000s, the organisation underwent rebranding to better reflect its growing scope beyond the city limits.[2]
Leadership
Jatin Haria founded and led the organisation from its inception until the rebranding in 2010, and continued leading the successor CRER for 25 years.[3][4]
Jelina Rahman served as Chair of the Glasgow Anti-Racist Alliance from 2005 until 2008.[6] She was appointed Secretary of the registered company on 26 September 2002 (resigned 15 March 2006) and served as Director from 15 March 2006 until 16 August 2010.[7]
See also
Coalition for Racial Equality and Rights Jatin Haria Jelina Rahman
Resources
- https://www.crer.org.uk/about
- https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/SC196218/officers
Notes
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Companies House, [No verified link available] Find and update company information - GOV.UK, accessed March 2026. Cite error: Invalid
<ref>tag; name "CompaniesHouse" defined multiple times with different content - ↑ 2.0 2.1 Coalition for Racial Equality and Rights, [No verified link available] About CRER, accessed March 2026.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 Scottish Parliament, [No verified link available] Celebrating 25 Years of the Coalition for Racial Equality and Rights, 3 November 2025.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Various sources including historical references in anti-racism contexts, [No verified link available] Anti-Racist Alliance, accessed March 2026.
- ↑ Positive Action in Housing, [No verified link available] Annual Report 2007-8, accessed March 2026.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 Gilded Lily, [No verified link available] Meet The Team - Jelina Berlow-Rahman, accessed March 2026.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 Companies House, [No verified link available] Jelina RAHMAN personal appointments, accessed March 2026.
- ↑ CRER blog, [No verified link available] We need immediate action for racial equality in Scotland, 10 June 2020.
- ↑ OHCHR submission, [No verified link available] International Convention for the ..., accessed March 2026.
- ↑ BBC News, [No verified link available] March against racism, accessed March 2026.
- ↑ UK Parliament, [No verified link available] Scottish Affairs - Minutes of Evidence, 2002.