Unite condemns racist attacks in Belfast
18 June 2009
The Unite trade union has condemned the racist attacks on
Romanian homes in Belfast that have taken place over the last
number of days.
“The actions of a tiny minority of thugs are casting a shadow
over the whole of Ireland,” said UNITE Irish Regional Secretary,
Jimmy Kelly speaking in Belfast today. “That people should
have to flee their homes in terror for no reason other than their
place of origin brings shame to all right thinking people in the
City of Belfast.”
“For centuries, people from Northern Ireland have travelled from
these shores, been welcomed in foreign lands, made their name and
added to the variety of communities across the globe.”
“As a result of these experiences we are a welcoming people
ourselves and we should in no way tolerate the senseless hounding
of and attacks on the homes of innocent people.”
He said the actions of these few mindless delinquents had been
utterly rejected by the overwhelming majority of people in south
and east Belfast and noted the swift response of community
organisations, local churches and statutory agencies to the
crisis.
Mr Kelly said it was particularly galling that a disorganised
rabble could target such vulnerable people and noted the brazen
attack on Monday evening’s peaceful protest which had been staged
by locals disgusted at the attacks.
He added: “When fascism in whatever form rears its ugly head, it
must be faced down. Responsible individuals, irrespective of their
colour, religious persuasion or political outlook, must unite in
their condemnation of this thuggish action.
“As we seen in the past, once you let this type of brutish
behaviour go unpunished, it can take root, fester and spread its
poison through society.
“We have already seen attacks on the Chinese community in the
North. Now it is time for the Roma community to bear the
brunt of this hate campaign waged by a minority of mindless morons.
If this goes unpunished who will be next?
“The PSNI must have the resources to deal with hate crimes like
these and bring the culprits to justice.
“We will be writing to the Romanian Consul General pledging our
continued commitment to social integration and fair treatment for
all.”
END
Further information:
Jimmy Kelly – UNITE Irish Regional Secretary M: +353 (0)87
9003217
Rob Hartnett – Hartnett McClure PR M: +353 (0)86 3851955
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