17/10/2003
Racial attacks condemned by Good Relations chairman
The Chairman of Belfast City Council’s Good Relations Steering Panel has condemned the recent upsurge in racial attacks across Northern Ireland.
Councillor Tom Ekin said the attacks demonstrated how much work needed to be done to change attitudes across the province.
“The Good Relations Steering Panel, of which I am Chairman, was set up specifically to promote respect and equality in our city. We deplore racism and strongly condemn racist attacks and abuse," he said.
However, Councillor Ekin said he welcomed the recent announcement that legislation would be changed for crimes motivated by sectarianism and racism. He said: “This is to be welcomed and not before time – my own motion condemning racist attacks in Belfast and calling for action was adopted unanimously by Belfast City Council almost two years ago.”
Northern Ireland has seen a steady rise in racially motivated attacks in recent months.
The most recent saw the home of a young Muslim woman and her two children attacked in Co Armagh.
The family had to subsequently flee their Craigavon home after it came under attack by a stone-throwing gang on Wednesday night.
(MB)
Councillor Tom Ekin said the attacks demonstrated how much work needed to be done to change attitudes across the province.
“The Good Relations Steering Panel, of which I am Chairman, was set up specifically to promote respect and equality in our city. We deplore racism and strongly condemn racist attacks and abuse," he said.
However, Councillor Ekin said he welcomed the recent announcement that legislation would be changed for crimes motivated by sectarianism and racism. He said: “This is to be welcomed and not before time – my own motion condemning racist attacks in Belfast and calling for action was adopted unanimously by Belfast City Council almost two years ago.”
Northern Ireland has seen a steady rise in racially motivated attacks in recent months.
The most recent saw the home of a young Muslim woman and her two children attacked in Co Armagh.
The family had to subsequently flee their Craigavon home after it came under attack by a stone-throwing gang on Wednesday night.
(MB)
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