Northern Ireland Community Relations Council - About Us - Press Releases - 150 events to tackle sectarianism and racism in community relations week

07 March 2005

Thousands of people across Northern Ireland are today (Monday 7th March) set to engage in a major assault on sectarianism and racism during the biggest week in the community relations calendar. Community Relations Week, organised by the Community Relations Council (CRC), will feature over 150 events across Northern Ireland this week (7-13 March).

Press release:

Monday 7^th March 2005

150 events to tackle sectarianism and racism in community relations week

Thousands of people across Northern Ireland are today (Monday 7^th March) set to engage in a major assault on sectarianism and racism during the biggest week in the community relations calendar. Community Relations Week, organised by the Community Relations Council (CRC), will feature over 150 events across Northern Ireland this week (7-13 March).

CRC chief executive Duncan Morrow says that the week will illustrate and celebrate the often unsung work that goes on to help break down division in Northern Ireland.

“The One Small Step Campaign has been encouraging everyone in society to take steps to help build a shared future for Northern Ireland and we hope that Community Relations Week will be an opportunity for organisations and individuals to illustrate the steps that they are taking,” he says.

“For example the PSNI and the Policing Board will be revealing their new hate crimes strategy during the week.

“Magherafelt District Council will be holding workshops to help tackle sectarianism and racism, the Health Promotion Agency will be holding a seminar in Dungannon to discuss the implications of promoting good relations for health sector managers and professionals, and the US Consulate will be holding a panel discussion with leading local politicians about building a shared future,” he says.

“Much of the work that is being put on display in community relations week is carried out on a daily basis and is making a significant contribution to community stability and the push towards a better, stable Northern Ireland.

“We hope that this week will help further create awareness and understanding of the important role that community relations work plays in making Northern Ireland a more welcoming, shared place,” he says.

Community Relations Week will feature some 120 events including the launch of research into the attitudes of young people in Northern Ireland towards community relations, ethnic celebrations, cultural events, political debates and sports events. Events are being organised by CRC, Northern Ireland's councils, community groups, statutory bodies, educational establishments and other organisations. A full listing of Community Relations Week events is available at www.community-relations.org.uk and programmes are available in local libraries.

Media contacts:

Chris Harrison, Dorothy Hawe or Kathryn Anderson, JLPR: 02890471282, 07766417550 or c.harrison@jlprni.com