Racist attacks must be 'stamped out' says Commission

The Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission has joined with the Chinese Welfare Association in calling for greater government action to stamp out racist attacks in the province.

During a visit to the offices of the Association today, Chief Commissioner, Professor Brice Dickson, called for the urgent release of the Government’s much delayed Race Equality Strategy.

Responding to the recent escalating rate of attacks on people from ethnic minority backgrounds, Professor Dickson said: “Whilst we welcome new legislation which will give courts the powers to impose heavier sentences for hate crime and racist attacks, more could be done by Government and civil society in addressing the rise in racist attitudes and attacks.

“As research shows racism is now twice as common as sectarianism and although we welcome the government's work in the area of race relations, a lot more could be done to lead a comprehensive strategy against racism.”

Anna Lo, Chief Executive of the Chinese Welfare Association, added: “We are calling on politicians, church leaders, public bodies and voluntary organisations to come out and make greater efforts to condemn racist attacks against our community.

“For too long Chinese people have been treated as second class citizens by public bodies in Northern Ireland. We need immediate government action to stamp out racist attacks on our community.”

The Commission said it was recommending that the Northern Ireland Office urgently publishes its long awaited strategy on race equality and implements a five year programme to combat racism.

The Chinese Welfare Association, meanwhile, said it has called for an investigation into the activities of far right groups such as Combat 18 and the British National Party and their links with local paramilitary groups.

(MB/SP)