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100 signatures reached
To: All Elected Representatives in Northern Ireland
OPEN LETTER: Support Our Demands in Response to Racist Violence
The brutal attack last Monday has caused widespread shock and grief within communities. No matter who we are or what we look like, we all deserve to walk down the street without fear. Our thoughts are with Stephen Ogilvie, the victim of Monday’s brutal knife attack, his family and the first responders. We wish to amplify the message of Stephen’s family - We do not want this terrible tragedy to be used to divide people or fuel hostility.
Unfortunately, anti-immigrant and far-right actors moved quickly to use this attack for their own end, causing widespread destruction and devastation, displacing hundreds of members of our community.
Our communities are years ahead of our political representation, but it doesn’t have to be like this. We deserve more. We demand the following from our political leaders:
Why is this important?
- Leadership
The worst times bring out the best in people, and we saw that this week. Community organisations and ordinary people from every background, community and colour stepped in to support their neighbours when statutory services failed: evacuating people from burning homes, offering refuge and essential supplies, and transport to exams and appointments. We demand:
- Concrete plans on anti-racism and refugee integration
- Multi-agency, joined-up emergency response to the levels of crisis.
- Proactive leadership to combat racism and stereotyping
2. Justice
Currently, there are no specific offences in law for prejudice-motivated crimes, including hate crimes. Yet, annual PSNI statistics show that race hate crime in Northern Ireland has reached its highest level since records began. We demand:
- Enact hate crime legislation
- Effective racial equality law
- Accountability of public authorities
3. Investment
We know what we need in our communities, and we know what keeps us safe - decent work, access to healthcare, investment and youth and community services. Now, we need our political representatives to work together and deliver for everyone who calls here home. Migrants and other minoritised communities cannot be scapegoats for these institutional failures. We demand:
- Investment in migrant-led organisations
- Investment in community services
- Investment in social housing