Community Relations Council

• Jobs
• Press Releases
• News
• Links
• Speeches
• Contact
• Council Minutes

17 June 2009

The Community Relations Council condemns the racist attacks on Romanians in South Belfast this week.

Duncan Morrow, CRC Chief Executive says:

‘The Community Relations Council is appalled and saddened that Romanian citizens living in Northern Ireland should have been subjected to violence and intimidation to the point that they have been driven in fear from their homes. This development reflects shame on Belfast.

‘Northern Ireland like most other European countries is becoming multi-cultural and multi-ethnic. We need to ensure that all incomers are truly welcomed and that local communities are supported in engaging with change.  As a society we have struggled and continue to struggle with sectarianism, and do not need racism as well. We need to build for a shared future that is inclusive and welcoming to diversity.

‘The Community Relations Council is actively supporting local voluntary and community groups and working in partnership with statutory bodies to support local communities to engage with change.   Only by embracing and defending diversity can we build a community that is healthy and vibrant.

‘We would call on local people in areas where these attacks are happening to make clear that this intimidation is not acceptable and that all people have the right to be treated with dignity and respect.’

For further information contact

Ray Mullan

Tel 028 9022 7500