We
are writing to you on behalf of the Anti Racism
Network in connection with an event that the Anti
Racism Network is organising for the end of this
month.
As
you know, the number of racist attacks in Northern
Ireland has been on the increase recently. According
to PSNI statistics, between April 2002 and 2003
there were 226 racial incidents, resulting in just
five prosecutions - and it is not known yet if any
of these have been or even will result in any convictions.
The ARN believes this is just the tip of the iceberg,
with many - if not most - racial incidents going
unreported.
While
the focus of the attacks has been on Belfast, there
have been attacks in Armagh, Ballymena, Dungannon,
Lisburn, and many other parts of Northern Ireland.
As a result of the widespread nature and increasing
violence used in these attacks, the ARN plans to
hold a rally in Belfast city centre on October 30
in order for ordinary people from across Northern
Ireland to express their abhorrence and opposition
to this festering sore in our community. You may
well have participated or taken part in our previous
rally at the start of this year, and if so, we want
to thank you for your support. But sadly, the attacks
and incidents, verbal abuse and lack of PSNI success
at catching those responsible for racial attacks
have continued, and we feel that it is time to take
a stand again.
The
emphasis in our next event will be on the positive
effect that ethnic minorities are having here. Our
culture and society is being enriched by the involvement
of ethnic minorities, and the work they do brings
benefits to our economy - yet there are still those
who believe in the myths of 'immigrants taking our
jobs' and 'threatening our culture', and this is
feeding racism in its more violent forms. Most recently,
plans for a centre in Donegall Pass were frustrated
by threats from a racist element in the community
- and then justified and excused by an elected representative.
We
don't want to hear politicians minimising the impact
or seriousness of this hostility. We want them to
challenge racism, not justify it. That's why our
message for the rally is: "No more excuses!"
It is important that we all communicate that we
are 'Against Racism and For Diversity'.
The
event we are planning, which is being supported
and endorsed by the Chinese Welfare Association,
will be slightly different from the last time. It
will involve a march from the University of Ulster's
Art College at 2pm through Royal Avenue to City
Hall. We want to try and capture the flavour of
a carnival, and make everyone feel welcome. We want
people to bring drums as well as banners. Costumes,
whistles, instruments - anything that adds to the
carnival feel!
However,
such an event will not succeed without your help.
We believe that involvement of the trades unions,
churches, ethnic minority groups, and political
organisations is critical to changing attitudes
in Northern Ireland. When ordinary people from different
backgrounds speak out with one voice, there is more
chance of it being heard and listened to. We urgently
need commitments of:
· financial assistance
· reproduction/displaying of leaflets and
posters for the rally
· enthusing and mobilising your members/branches
· lend equipment & provide marshals
· public endorsement of the rally
If
you feel you can help in another way, please let
us know ASAP. Given the relatively short time frame
we would appreciate your response within one working
week. Please do not hesitate to contact us should
you require any further information.
Human
without rights: asylum seekers in the 21st century
An
exhibition of photographs by David Levene, Guardian
Newspaper
Brought
to Belfast by Law Centre (NI) and Refugee Action
Group as part of Belfast Festival at Queens
At:
Law Centre (NI), 124 Donegall Street, Belfast
From:
Saturday 23 October to Saturday 6 November, 10 am
to 4 pm
Closed:
Tuesdays and Sundays
Full
disabled access
