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13/11/2024
Alliance Welcomes Executive Commitment To Tackling Racism
The Alliance Party has welcomed a commitment from the Assembly to addressing racism and racist attacks across Northern Ireland.
South Belfast MLA and Executive Office Spokesperson, Paula Bradshaw, was speaking after she introduced a motion on behalf of the Committee for the Executive Office this morning calling for an urgent and comprehensive review into the racist attacks of July and August, requiring the First and deputy First Minister to bring forward proposals to prevent it from happening again.
Ms Bradshaw stated: "Before and after the appalling racist attacks in the summer, we have heard harrowing evidence both in Committee and as individual MLAs that victims of racist hate crimes feel entirely let down by the failure to prevent such attacks from happening.
"Although they are less highlighted, racist and xenophobic attacks, causing fear to people and property damage, are occurring appallingly regularly. The helplessness felt by victims is exacerbated by the sense that their prevention is dependent on 'community representatives' rather than on the civil authorities of law and order.
"The response to create the conditions where racism and sectarianism are directly tackled has been very slow. There is still no Racial Equality Strategy and no Refugee Integration Strategy.
"What is required now is leadership and change. We need a rapid review, but we also need to reflect that racism, sectarianism and paramilitarism do not exist in silos, they are all parts of the same profound problem. We now need the First and deputy First Minister to come forward with concrete action to tackle this problem, while delivering change which will make all members of our society feel equally protected and valued."
South Belfast MLA and Executive Office Spokesperson, Paula Bradshaw, was speaking after she introduced a motion on behalf of the Committee for the Executive Office this morning calling for an urgent and comprehensive review into the racist attacks of July and August, requiring the First and deputy First Minister to bring forward proposals to prevent it from happening again.
Ms Bradshaw stated: "Before and after the appalling racist attacks in the summer, we have heard harrowing evidence both in Committee and as individual MLAs that victims of racist hate crimes feel entirely let down by the failure to prevent such attacks from happening.
"The response to create the conditions where racism and sectarianism are directly tackled has been very slow. There is still no Racial Equality Strategy and no Refugee Integration Strategy.
"What is required now is leadership and change. We need a rapid review, but we also need to reflect that racism, sectarianism and paramilitarism do not exist in silos, they are all parts of the same profound problem. We now need the First and deputy First Minister to come forward with concrete action to tackle this problem, while delivering change which will make all members of our society feel equally protected and valued."
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A new initiative to help victims racist attacks has been launched in Northern Ireland. The community referral scheme is being piloted in Newtownabbey for those who have suffered a result of racism. Victims of racist incidents will initially speak to a Police Minority Liaison Officer before being referred to a Community Relations Forum worker.
10 August 2006
Two arrested over "suspected racist attack"
Police in County Down have appealed for information following a suspected racist attack on a house in the early hours of this morning. At around 4.45am, paint was thrown and windows were broken at the house in the Copelands Park area of Bangor, which is understood to have been occupied by three Lithuanian nationals at the time.
Two arrested over "suspected racist attack"
Police in County Down have appealed for information following a suspected racist attack on a house in the early hours of this morning. At around 4.45am, paint was thrown and windows were broken at the house in the Copelands Park area of Bangor, which is understood to have been occupied by three Lithuanian nationals at the time.
31 July 2014
Three Released Over Racist Attacks
Three men who were arrested by police over a series of racist attacks in east Belfast have been released on bail pending further inquiries. On Monday night, two properties were attacked in Bloomfield Avenue and Chobham Street in the city, while two cars were damaged in Rosebery Street and Ravenscroft Street.
Three Released Over Racist Attacks
Three men who were arrested by police over a series of racist attacks in east Belfast have been released on bail pending further inquiries. On Monday night, two properties were attacked in Bloomfield Avenue and Chobham Street in the city, while two cars were damaged in Rosebery Street and Ravenscroft Street.
17 June 2009
Romanians Flee Racist Attacks
Prime Minister Gordon Brown has joined Martin McGuinness in condemning a spate of racist attacks in south Belfast, which have forced scores of Romanian families to flee their homes. This afternoon, Housing Minister Margaret Ritchie said those affected would be temporarily rehoused, meaning up to 20 families will be offered emergency accommodation.
Romanians Flee Racist Attacks
Prime Minister Gordon Brown has joined Martin McGuinness in condemning a spate of racist attacks in south Belfast, which have forced scores of Romanian families to flee their homes. This afternoon, Housing Minister Margaret Ritchie said those affected would be temporarily rehoused, meaning up to 20 families will be offered emergency accommodation.
27 February 2008
Racist Attacks Target Polish Immigrants - But Their Numbers Falling
There has been an increase in the number of apparently racially motivated attacks in Co Armagh. Police have said they are "extremely concerned" about an increase in these racist attacks in Portadown. As a result, officers are on daily patrols in the Killycomain area and have introduced extra weekend patrols as well.
Racist Attacks Target Polish Immigrants - But Their Numbers Falling
There has been an increase in the number of apparently racially motivated attacks in Co Armagh. Police have said they are "extremely concerned" about an increase in these racist attacks in Portadown. As a result, officers are on daily patrols in the Killycomain area and have introduced extra weekend patrols as well.
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Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Apart from a little patchy drizzle it will be a dry evening and night with variable amounts of cloud. A few mist and fog patches forming. Minimum temperature 7 °C.
