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17/11/2004
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)
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)
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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.
21 March 2002
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.
Belfast marks International Day against racism
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03 September 2014
Men Arrested Over Graveyard Vandalism
Six men have been arrested after headstones were vandalised at a graveyard on the Drum Road in Cookstown, County Tyrone, in an attack that police have described as a "hate crime". The gravestones were scraped and sprayed with sectarian graffiti in the overnight attack.
Men Arrested Over Graveyard Vandalism
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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.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Gale, coastal severe gale, northwest winds ease from late afternoon. Scattered showers will fall as snow over the hills at first, becoming isolated from mid-afternoon. Maximum temperature 7 °C.Tonight:Showers, scattered in the evening, will clear by midnight leaving the night dry with clear spells. Cloud will spread east towards morning. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
