UK: Northern Ireland has a racism problem, not an immigration problem Amnesty Belfast rally

Amnesty International has said that Northern Ireland faces a “violent racism problem” and called for urgent political leadership and a credible anti-racism strategy following days of racist violence in Belfast.

Speaking in advance of an anti-racism rally in front of Belfast City Hall today (Saturday), Amnesty International’s Northern Ireland Director Patrick Corrigan said the attacks were not spontaneous disorder but part of a worsening pattern of organised racist violence.

Patrick Corrigan said:

“Let us be clear about what happened this week. What we witnessed was not legitimate protest. It was organised, planned racist violence.

“This is the third consecutive summer in which Northern Ireland has experienced organised racist violence. Each year it has become more coordinated and more dangerous.

“For too long, some political leaders have been willing to amplify fears about immigration instead of challenging deliberate misinformation.

“Violence does not begin with petrol bombs. It begins when people are told that their neighbours are a threat and when fear is exploited for political advantage.

“Northern Ireland does not have an immigration problem. It has a racism problem. A violent racism problem. And until we are prepared to say that honestly, we will never solve it.”

Addressing those targeted by the violence, Patrick Corrigan said:

“To every person in Belfast who is feeling frightened because of their ethnicity, religion, nationality or immigration status, I want to say this: you belong here. This city is your home. And you are not alone."

He called on political leaders to move beyond rhetoric and deliver meaningful action to tackle racism:

“Solidarity alone is not enough. We need political leaders to recognise that this problem has been years in the making and requires serious attention, including a Racial Equality Strategy worthy of the name, not more of the Executive’s failed and discredited approach of the last ten years.”