More urgent action needed to tackle racism and discrimination in Ireland, conference hears.
Irish National Integration Conference: Tackling Racism and Hatred in Ireland.
More urgent action needed to tackle racism and discrimination in Ireland, conference hears.
Wednesday, 8th November 2023.
Migrant community representatives and experts speaking at the annual Irish National Integration Conference stressed the need for Ireland to continue to improve its response to racism and hate, while highlighting that the experiences of those who have suffered racial abuse or discrimination must remain central to all solutions.
The National Integration Conference, which took place at LinkedIn Community Space in Dublin today (08.11.23), addressed how racism could be tackled through various approaches, including: legislation, better political representation of migrant communities, and positive initiatives in sport and community engagement.
Officially opening the conference, Minister for Justice Helen McEntee, reiterated the government’s commitment to passing the Criminal Justice Bill into legislation – the first specific legislation that would deal with hate crime in Ireland.
Commenting today, Minister McEntee said: “I am determined to continue working to ensure that vulnerable and minority communities can feel safe and are safe in Ireland. The Criminal Justice (Incitement to Violence or Hatred and Hate Offences) Bill is a hugely important piece of legislation that will protect those who are most vulnerable to hate crime and hate speech.
“Safety and protection for every individual and every community in Ireland is at the heart of what we are setting out to achieve – including those who may not have the loudest voice or the largest platform, or who feel intimidated to come forward. Racial discrimination has no place in an equal society, and the Action Plan Against Racism sets out a whole of Government approach to eliminating racism in all its forms, and ensuring where racism occurs, it can be addressed.
“An Garda Síochána takes hate crime seriously and is strongly committed to engaging proactively and respectfully with all members of society, and, in particular, persons from minority groups and diverse backgrounds. Their latest statistics show that hate crimes increased by 29% last year over the previous year, with racism as the most prevalent motive. I would strongly encourage anyone who has been a victim or has witnessed any hate motivated crime to report it to An Garda Síochána.Nobody deserves to be targeted because of who they are.”
Gonchigkhand Byambaa, an activist from the Mongolian community living in Ireland spoke about the need for education to empower people: “Hate crime in Ireland is a serious issue – one that is increasing year on year. Legislation will undoubtedly play a vital role in addressing this problem, but education is equally essential. Education at all ages – from children to older generations – around appropriate language and accepting differences will help in developing understanding and respect.
“People need to be educated about words and language that may be offensive or hurtful to certain communities, along with the historical context and reasons why. Knowledge empowers people to make more informed and respectful choices. I believe that education is a fundamental component in combating racism and hate in Ireland.”
Immigrant Council CEO, Brian Killoran added: “Ireland is not becoming a more diverse country, it is a diverse country, and we are all the more empowered by that fact. The minority voices who seek to abuse others and sow hate and division must be opposed and challenged, and those who experience such hostility need to be supported to access redress and protections. The wide array of voices speaking at the event today demonstrates this need, but also highlights much of the positive and important work that is being done to address these issues.”
Some of the highlights from the speaker line-up included Uruemu Adejinmi – the first female black Councillor to be elected in Ireland; Luna Liboni, Chair, Coalition Against Hate Crimes; and Leon Diop, Co-Founder and CEO of Black and Irish.
Commenting on the event, Leon Diop added: “We must focus on ways to bring us together to get the best out of society. The whole is greater than the sum of its parts – meaning, for Ireland to be at its best and to deal with the crises we face here in our country and globally, we must be a cohesive unit. That will only come about when we stand up to racism and look at ways for us all to work together."
ENDS
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Notes to Editors:
About the Immigrant Council
The Immigrant Council of Ireland is the leading national human rights organisation working to defend migrant rights in Ireland. It provides free immigration advice and legal support through its helpline and law centre, as well as campaigning for immigration reform. The Council also provides support to victims of racism and human trafficking, and provides opportunities for migrants to connect with each other and their communities.
Visit www.immigrantcouncil.ie for more information.
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