Increased focus on anti-racism
training
announced in battle against racism
Details of Europe-Wide
Anti-Racism Week 15-23 March and International Day
Against Racism 21 March 2003 announced
The Know Racism
Campaign, National Consultative Committee on Racism and
Interculturalism (NCCRI) and Equality Commission for Northern
Ireland today launch the Programme of Events for International Day
Against Racism March 21st and European Week Against
Racism March 15-23. There will be a similar launch taking place in
Belfast as part of the North/South joint campaign.
International Day Against Racism continues to be recognised
throughout the world as the date on which activities take place to highlight
global opposition to racism. Key themes for 21.03.03 are the inclusion of women
from ethnic minority groups in our society and the importance of anti-racism
training in developing an organised approach to address racism and promote a
more intercultural society.
Speaking at the launch, Antastasia Crickley, Chairperson of
the NCCRI stressed the importance of acknowledging the reality of racism in
Ireland and our responsibility to address it. 'I particularly welcome
the focus on women's experience of racism this year and on the double burden
faced by women from minority ethnic groups. In the days before St. Patrick's
Day as we remember Irish emigrant men and women all over the world it is timely
to welcome and respect diversity and to stamp out any discrimination experienced
by migrants to our shores.'
Kensika Monshengwo, NCCRI, focussed on the need
for systematic approaches to address racism. 'It is now time
to go beyond simply raising awareness but to begin the process of
changing behaviour, practices and policies within organisations. In
celebrating March 21, we would urge organisations to adopt, as a
priority, a whole organisation approach to anti-racism.'
Speaking at the launch of activities, Joe McDonagh, Chairperson
of the Steering Committee said "Ireland has undergone major change in the
past few years and is now experiencing an economic realignment and we must not
let prejudices creep into our communities. Rumour and public confusion is still
contributing to feelings of racial hostility in Ireland and much of this is
driven by misinformation about asylum seekers, refugees and economic migrants.
Training around the subject can make a great difference in our work to combat
the problem of racism in Irish society."
This year more than 100 events are taking place all over Ireland, North and
South, organised by community groups, statutory agencies, companies, trade unions
and other groups concerned at the prevalence of racism in Ireland. The KNOW
RACISM Programme has given financial support to some anti-racism initiatives
planned for the Week Against Racism through its grant schemes Events include
anti-racism and intercultural awareness workshops, theatre performances, festivals,
radio programmes, food fairs, poster campaigns, art and craft exhibitions, launches
of guidelines and booklets, photographic exhibitions, sports events and much
more.
Further information can be obtained on the KNOW Racism
website: www.knowracism.ie,
or from the NCCRI: (01) 478 5777, www.nccri.ie.
-ends-
For further press information contact Edelman:
Tel: 01-678 9333
Jacquie Garvey 087 8283922
Cormac Bradley 087 6171241
