With racism and right-wing extremism on the rise across Ireland, civil society groups are fighting back. The North West Anti-Racism Charter will launch this today, 7 October, at Derry’s Guildhall.

Developed by Bloody Sunday Trust, the North West Migrants Forum and the Irish Network Against Racism, the charter is:

A statement of intent, providing a way for businesses, organisations, community groups, schools, and individuals to push back against the rise of racist messaging and actions in the region.

Rise of racism in Ireland

Far-right racism has been on the rise in Ireland for some time. Extremist groups in the Republic and the north have increasingly tried to blame migrants for social issues. The Canary recently reported how young people have been swept up by bigoted rhetoric and disinformation.

The new charter encourages supporters to:

Oppose all harm by words and actions on the basis of difference of race and colour…live together, love together, struggle together, thrive together…hold ourselves and others to account for racist words and actions…commit to policies and practices that oppose division by race and colour…promote these attitudes throughout our region in the north west of Ireland…say no to racism.

Reject bigoted messaging

Convenors have timed the launch carefully. It will coincide with the anniversary of the 5 October Civil Rights March and Black History Month.

Ireland’s Bloody Sunday Trust Director Maeve McLaughlin said:

With the rise of right-wing groups across this island it is getting more and more important that we stand against them, united and publicly, to remind them that the vast majority of people in Ireland reject their racist message and stand with the new communities that we welcome to our country.

North West Migrants Forum’s Conor Sharkey said:

Amidst the misinformation and disinformation epidemic we currently find ourselves in it is more important than ever that we send out a strong message that we as a city, district and region stand firmly against racism, Islamophobia, xenophobia and hate.

No more division and hate

Shane O’ Curry, Director of INAR (Irish Network Against Racism) said all involved had:

Expressed such a strong desire to reject the politics of fear, suspicion , division and hate.

People in the North West know only too well where the politics of division and hate lead to, and the leadership shown by people from all backgrounds in bringing people together to write a common statement is heartening and inspiring.

Organisers say the charter has already been adopted by 22 organisations, schools, and community groups across the region.

Featured image via the Canary

By Joe Glenton

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