Increased levels of racism must be confronted, says activist

URGENT moves must be made to stop false and dangerous prejudices resulting in increased levels of racism, the chairperson of the Government-funded Know Racism campaign has warned.

“Ireland has undergone major change in the past few years. Our society is now experiencing an economic realignment and we must not let prejudices creep into our communities,” warned Joe McDonagh.

“Rumour and public confusion is still contributing to feelings of racial hostility in Ireland and much of this is driven by misinformation about asylum seekers, refugees and economic migrants,” continued Mr McDonagh.

Mr McDonagh was speaking yesterday as government bodies, companies, trade unions and other groups concerned at the prevalence of racism in Ireland announced details of more than 100 events to mark European Anti-Racism Week next week.

The events, organised by community groups throughout the country, will take place north and south of the Border and culminate on March 21 in International Day Against Racism.

Events throughout the week are being co-ordinated jointly by the National Consultative Committee on Racism and Interculturalism (NCCRI) and the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland.

One of the central themes of this year’s International Anti-Racism Day will be the inclusion of women from ethnic minority groups.

There will also be a strong focus on the importance of anti-racism training in organisations and workplaces given the multi-cultural changes which are taking place in Ireland.

NCCRI chairperson, Anastasia Crickley, welcomed the focus on immigrant women saying it was vital to acknowledge and accept responsibility for the reality of racism in Ireland.

“In the days before St Patrick’s Day as we remember Irish emigrant men and women all over the world it is timely to welcome and respect diversity and to stamp out any discrimination experienced by migrants to our shores,” she said.

Also addressing yesterday’s launch the NCCRI’s Kensika Monshengwo, NCCRI, urged organisations to take steps to combat racism.

“It is now time to go beyond simply raising awareness but to begin the process of changing behaviour, practices and policies within organisations.

“In celebrating March 21, we would urge organisations to adopt, as a priority, a whole organisational approach to anti-racism,” he said.

Further information can be obtained from www.knowracism.ie, or from the NCCRI: [phone], www.nccri.com.