Failure to address racism in NI, Stormont committee hears

One of the witnesses was Beverly Simpson, representing the North West Migrants’ Forum, she told the committee “whether it is one member or a hundred members, proscribed organisations are engaged in repeat harassment, intimidation and attacks against ethnic minorities communities.”

She said it “is not acceptable” to be told to negotiate with leaders with paramilitary links.

“Our community members report being advised by the PSNI to consult, negotiate or listen to community leaders with a link to paramilitary organisations. This is not acceptable in any democratic, peaceful society.”

She went on to say the executive has “a duty protect the human rights of all its citizens. We need robust action on paramilitary violence”.

The PSNI have been contacted for a response.

Dr Naomi Green, from the Belfast Islamic Centre said there are nearly 12,000 Muslims in Northern Ireland and that 4000 of them are children.

She said that because of violence and disorder “many are now contemplating leaving Northern Ireland.”

When speaking about the disorder in August she said: “The initial police response was disappointing but we are grateful that the police have responded swiftly since.

“It’s not enough to react when hate surfaces, the underlying causes that allow it to fester must be addressed. Racism and islamophobia intersect and there is a longstanding failure to address either of these in NI.”

She also called out superficial responses with the issue of racism and said there needs to be “real meaningful engagement to tackle racism…not tick box exercises”.

Dr Green also spoke about the discourse surrounding the August protests and violence.

She said “there are voices within the political and media space who continue to speak of legitimate concerns in a way that subtly excuses attacks and prejudice on minority communities in NI.

“There is nothing legitimate about fuelling resentment and scapegoating Muslims or other minorities for complex issues like housing shortages or economic difficulties and you will not resolve them by scapegoating us.”