Press Releases

Anti-Racism in the Workplace Week

4th November 2003

The Community Relations Council recognises that racism is as big a problem as sectarianism in Northern Ireland and supports the Irish Congress of Trade Unions, the Irish Business and Employers' Confederation, the Construction Industry Federation and the Equality Authority in their Anti-Racist Workplace Week campaign. The week  runs from November 4th - 8th 2002.

Dr Duncan Morrow, Community Relations Council Chief Executive Officer commented

“226 racial incidents were  reported over 2002/2003.  This is an increase of 900% since the beginning of recording of racial incidents in 1997. Considering that minority ethnic people average about 1% of the population in NI, the equivalent of this appalling situation would amount to approximately 22,600 sectarian incidents reported in that same period of time. This is entirely unacceptable. Society in Northern Ireland knows only too well the consequences of sectarianism which, like racism, breeds prejudice, ignorance and intolerance and this in turn can lead to loss of life, home and jobs.  We must work together towards a society in which we can all live free from discrimination and intimidation “

Eamonn McCartan, Community Relations Council Chairman added

 “It is a fact that there are more racist attacks in Northern Ireland than in England and Wales and that people in Northern Ireland are more likely to be racist than sectarian. Everyone has a role to play in combating racism. Public sector organisations should ensure culturally specific services provision for all minority ethnic citizens and fully implement S.75 (2) – the promotion of good relations. The Community Relations Council will work against racism in partnership with other organisations working in the field of race relations.” 

The Community Relations Council is holding an anti racist workshop for its staff on Wednesday 5 November and endeavors to have an organisation which

+     is free from discrimination;

+     is welcoming to Black and minority ethnic people;

+     accommodates cultural diversity and realises equality; and

+     sends a message for greater equality across local communities and the wider society.

The Community Relations Council embraces diversity and supports Anti Racism in the Workplace Week and urges Community Relations groups and practitioners to develop approaches to challenge sectarianism in the workplace and in the community.

For further information contact

Ray Mullan, Director of Communications, tel 028 90 227500