SDLP Ballyarnett councillor Catherine McDaid
She expressed particular concern at the online abuse targeted at Mayor Lilian Seenoi-Barr.
Council will now write to the First and deputy First Ministers and Justice Minister calling for wider action, including the implementation of stand-alone hate crime legislation.
Councillor McDaid said:
“Unanimous backing of my council motion sends a powerful message that this city and district will not allow racism of any kind to go unchecked.
“Derry is a city known for being friendly and open to visitors, people from all over the world have moved here and made this place their home and we will not allow a small, but vocal element to make anyone feel unsafe or uncomfortable here. It speaks volumes that any time we see a far-right demonstration organised in our city it is quickly combatted by the local community.
“The abuse Lilian has been dealing with recently is utterly vile and I know it has taken a significant personal toll on her.
“Nobody should have to deal with being targeted in this way because they seek to serve their community, but I know that this is a problem that goes far beyond Lilian and that many people from migrant communities will have similar stories to tell.
“It was important that council reaffirmed our anti-racist stance and offered support to those living in this area who have been subjected to racist abuse, but to truly deal with this situation we need a societal response and that has to come from the Executive.
“Dedicated hate crime legislation would be a good place to start so that we can ensure that anyone who does engage in racism faces the full consequences of their actions so that every person in our city can live free from fear or discrimination.”
