Ethnic minorities need to welcomed and appreciated for the “positive contribution” they bring to our society, a local MEP has said.
Paul McCauley
Sinn Fein’s Martina Anderson was speaking at the Washington Ireland Programme (WIP) in Magee University Great Hall on the issue of Ethnic Minorities in Ireland.
She said it was “also important” we were aware of the difficulties some encounter in settling into a new society.
Miss Anderson added: “Unable to establish themselves in the new country, some immigrants become isolated and despondent at times with serious consequences. In extreme cases this sense of isolation and desolation can have fatal outcomes.
“Given that People from ethnic minorities enrich our society, intellectually, culturally and economically it is important that we welcome them and appreciate the positive contribution that this diversity brings to our society.”
She said “without doubt” prejudice was prevalent “in some sections of our society” and needsed to be challenged to change views of “the other” which manifested itself in sectarian and racist attacks.”
She added: “In this city (Derry) we have a young man, Paul McCauley, who was left in a vegetated state after a violent sectarian attack inflicted by bigots as he enjoyed a celebratory BBQ with a group of cross-community and ethnic minority friends prior to one of them emmigrating
“By adopting a zero tolerance to sectarianism/racism we will bring about attitudinal change that will help us build a society of equals.”
Ms Anderson concluded: “I would recommend WIP support the demand for a Bill of Rights for the North of Ireland so that no group – ethnic minorities, women, LGB&T or those from any religious denomination etc., experience violation of social and economic rights.”
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