Menu
14/05/2012
Sectarianism Remains Deeply Rooted In NI Claims CRC
Sectarianism remains deeply rooted in Northern Ireland despite undoubted progress that has been made towards a more shared society, the Chairman of the Community Relations Council (CRC) says today as he kick-starts the 10th Community Relations Week.
Tony McCusker highlights that thousands of events and tens of thousands of people have participated in Community Relations Weeks since 2003, which he says is testament to the commitment and will that exists across Northern Ireland to deal with the legacy of the past. But he says there is clear evidence that much more work remains to be done.
"There are still many difficult issues to be addressed, including segregated educational provision, interface areas and barriers, residential segregation, misuse of flags and emblems, parades and other expressions of cultural identity," Mr McCusker pointed out.
"The number of interfaces in Northern Ireland was 22 when the Belfast Agreement was signed; today the number is as high as 88 by some estimates. We still see flags and emblems as prominently displayed during the marching season as before the Agreement. Deep divisions in housing and education also remain. To add to this, racism in our society is now apparent," Mr McCusker continued.
Community Relations Week 2012, which starts today and runs until Sunday, is the biggest week in the community relations calendar, and showcases the positive work taking place across Northern Ireland year-round to deal with the legacy of the Troubles as well as issues around racism. It features events run by a wide range of organisations, from district councils to statutory bodies and community organisations and its theme for 2012 is ‘No More Them and Us?’.
The flagship event of Community Relations Week is the CRC Policy Conference which takes place today at Titanic Belfast entitled: ‘No More Them and Us?: the challenges and opportunities for creating a shared society’. Speakers include: Michael O’Flaherty, the Chief Commissioner of the Human Rights Commission, Michael Wardlow, the Chief Commissioner of the Equality Commission and representatives from the Office of the First and Deputy First Minister (OFMDFM) and the Department of Justice.
(CD/GK)
Tony McCusker highlights that thousands of events and tens of thousands of people have participated in Community Relations Weeks since 2003, which he says is testament to the commitment and will that exists across Northern Ireland to deal with the legacy of the past. But he says there is clear evidence that much more work remains to be done.
"There are still many difficult issues to be addressed, including segregated educational provision, interface areas and barriers, residential segregation, misuse of flags and emblems, parades and other expressions of cultural identity," Mr McCusker pointed out.
"The number of interfaces in Northern Ireland was 22 when the Belfast Agreement was signed; today the number is as high as 88 by some estimates. We still see flags and emblems as prominently displayed during the marching season as before the Agreement. Deep divisions in housing and education also remain. To add to this, racism in our society is now apparent," Mr McCusker continued.
Community Relations Week 2012, which starts today and runs until Sunday, is the biggest week in the community relations calendar, and showcases the positive work taking place across Northern Ireland year-round to deal with the legacy of the Troubles as well as issues around racism. It features events run by a wide range of organisations, from district councils to statutory bodies and community organisations and its theme for 2012 is ‘No More Them and Us?’.
The flagship event of Community Relations Week is the CRC Policy Conference which takes place today at Titanic Belfast entitled: ‘No More Them and Us?: the challenges and opportunities for creating a shared society’. Speakers include: Michael O’Flaherty, the Chief Commissioner of the Human Rights Commission, Michael Wardlow, the Chief Commissioner of the Equality Commission and representatives from the Office of the First and Deputy First Minister (OFMDFM) and the Department of Justice.
(CD/GK)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
29 May 2008
Welcome For Antrim Project's Job Creation
A new community-based develoment which is creating employment opportunities in Co Antrim has been welcomed by the NI Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie. She helped to launch the new, mixed-use resource and business project in Antrim town.
Welcome For Antrim Project's Job Creation
A new community-based develoment which is creating employment opportunities in Co Antrim has been welcomed by the NI Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie. She helped to launch the new, mixed-use resource and business project in Antrim town.
28 January 2003
Report reveals gulf between communities
A report has found that, almost five years on from the Good Friday Agreement, Northern Ireland remains a deeply divided society with over 70% of Housing Executive estates almost entirely segregated.
Report reveals gulf between communities
A report has found that, almost five years on from the Good Friday Agreement, Northern Ireland remains a deeply divided society with over 70% of Housing Executive estates almost entirely segregated.
01 May 2007
DPPs consider challenges for policing in a shared future
The Northern Ireland Policing Board will tonight hold a special event to reflect on the contribution of District Policing Partnerships (DPPs) to policing in Northern Ireland and consider the challenges ahead for DPPs, the police and the community.
DPPs consider challenges for policing in a shared future
The Northern Ireland Policing Board will tonight hold a special event to reflect on the contribution of District Policing Partnerships (DPPs) to policing in Northern Ireland and consider the challenges ahead for DPPs, the police and the community.
08 March 2005
University highlights diversity messages
The University of Ulster is to hold a series of exhibitions this week aimed at sending out anti-racism and anti-sectarianism messages. The events, at Jordanstown, Coleraine and Magee, are aimed at promoting the importance of diversity and multi-culturalism during Community Relations Week.
University highlights diversity messages
The University of Ulster is to hold a series of exhibitions this week aimed at sending out anti-racism and anti-sectarianism messages. The events, at Jordanstown, Coleraine and Magee, are aimed at promoting the importance of diversity and multi-culturalism during Community Relations Week.
15 January 2004
Belfast City Council launches 'good relations' strategy
Belfast City Council has launched a strategy aimed at helping stamp out racism and sectarianism in the city.
Belfast City Council launches 'good relations' strategy
Belfast City Council has launched a strategy aimed at helping stamp out racism and sectarianism in the city.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
