Belfast marks International Day against racism

The Lord Mayor, Jim Rogers joined representatives from the Chinese Welfare Association, the Indian Community Centre and Citizens Advice Bureaux to encourage people to report racist incidents to mark International Day Against Racism on 21 March 2002.

According to a recent survey carried out by the University of Ulster racial attitudes and prejudice in Northern Ireland were seen to be twice as significant as sectarian attitudes and prejudice. PSNI figures also suggest that racism is on the increase with a total of 260 racial incidents recorded by the police in 2000/01.

Chinese Welfare Association (CWA), the main support organisation for Northern Ireland's largest ethnic minority deals with around 30 - 40 racial incident cases each year.

Anna Manwah Lo, Chief Executive of CWA said: "Chinese people in N. Ireland can face racism on a daily basis. Levels of racism can range from verbal abuse and physical attacks to harassment and intimidation.

“Black and minority ethnic groups cannot and should not tackle the problems of racism alone. This is why we welcome such initiatives by organisations such as Citizens Advice Bureaux to help strengthen the support available to victims of racism in Northern Ireland."

Citizens Advice Bureaux dealt with almost 1,000 discrimination problems in 2000/01 and have witnessed a steady increase year on year. Derek Alcorn, Chief Executive of the Northern Ireland Association of CAB said: "Racial intimidation, harassment and attacks are crimes which must be punished with the full weight of the law. The CAB Service must show leadership and be a force for good in responding to the needs of the community affected by racial violence".

Alex Maskey, Sinn Féin assembly member for South Belfast said the time was right for the Northern Ireland Executive to produce an anti-racism strategy. “We are in the midst of a period of change when racism needs to be confronted,” he said.

“Racism must be challenged wherever it takes hold, everyone has a part to play.”

(AMcE)