Latest news with #UnitedAgainstRacismBelfast
Extra.ie
11-07-2025
- Politics
- Extra.ie
United Against Racism responds to Tyrone bonfire featuring migrant boat
United Against Racism Belfast has called the loyalist bonfire in Moygashel, Co. Tyrone, which contains models of migrants in a boat, 'an absolutely shocking attempt to intimidate people who are fleeing war, poverty and persecution.' 'In a context of widespread violence against migrants and their homes,' the group said, 'the burning of effigies is a precursor to the burning of people. Given recent events in Ballymena, and our own recent history, we must be alive to the real dangers that such acts carry.' They also said that the bonfire deserves 'unreserved and unequivocal condemnation', and called on political representatives to show leadership to ensure the effigy is removed. 'United Against Racism is not only concerned with the offensive messaging involved,' they continued. 'We are concerned that a toxic and violent atmosphere is being whipped-up that can only result in a program against migrants and minorities. An urgent response is required.' Finally, the group insisted that these actions do not represent the majority of Moygashel or in any other community, and that 'this majority must be cohered and mobilised into a movement which can isolate the racist and bigots'. They also called on all progressives to unite in this cause. View this post on Instagram A post shared by United Against Racism Belfast (@uarbelfast) The boat was erected on top of the bonfire in Moygashel on the outskirts of Dungannon, and contains a dozen mannequins wearing life jackets. It has since been condemned by a large number of organisations, including Amnesty International's Northern Ireland director Patrick Corrigan, who called it a 'vile, dehumanising act that fuels hatred and racism'. And saying that it 'cruelly mocks the suffering of people who risk everything to flee war, persecution, and hardship in search of safety'. He added that Amnesty International urged the authorities to ensure its immediate removal and called on the PSNI to investigate and hold those responsible to account.' In a post on X, Northern Ireland's First Minister Michelle O'Neill called the incident 'racist displays that are sickening and deplorable', adding that it 'poses serious risks to life, property, the health of residents and vital public services'. She added that Political leadership is essential to ensure the safety of residents, patients and the wider public. Meanwhile, Sinn Fin's Assembly member for Fermanagh and South Tyrone Colm Gildernew said the bonfire was 'vile' and 'deplorable, adding that 'this was an absolutely disgusting act, fuelled by sickening racist and far-right attitudes, as well as a clear incitement to hatred that must be removed immediately'. 'Those who come to our island to make it their home are not the enemy,' he continued, 'They are our friends, our neighbours, and are welcomed, cherished and valued by the vast majority of people here. 'Political leaders in this area must step up, call for the removal of these offensive materials and make it clear they do not support such vile, deplorable views.' Meanwhile, Jamie Bryson, a prominent loyalist activist, said on X that 'Every year Moygashel bonfire combines artistic protest with their cultural celebration. Their yearly art has itself become a tradition. This year the focus is on the scandal of mass illegal immigration.' Police in Northern Ireland have declared a 'major incident' concerning the bonfire and are holding meetings with local community groups, politicians and a range of multi-agency partners. Belfast City Council has requested for the PSNI to help contractors remove a controversial bonfire deemed to pose a risk to the electricity supply to two major hospitals.
Belfast Telegraph
16-05-2025
- Belfast Telegraph
PSNI records lowest-ever number of anti-social behaviour reports across NI
Figures published by the PSNI have revealed details of crime incidents reported over the 12 months to March 31, 2025, including anti-social behaviour, domestic abuse, hate-motivated crime and drug seizures. According to the figures there has been a decrease in crime in Northern Ireland. There were 8,233 fewer crime incidents in NI over the past 12 months, a 7.9% drop from 2023/24 – including reductions in violent offences, criminal damage and harassment. Anti-social behaviour reports were also recorded at their lowest since the data series began in 2006/7, with 1,004 less incidents reported. Deputy Chief Constable Bobby Singleton praised the latest statistics, saying: 'These significant reductions demonstrate once again that not only is Northern Ireland one of the safest places to live, work and raise a family but also that the PSNI is a service that everyone here can be proud'. The Deputy Chief Constable also expressed his worry over declining police numbers. 'The continued contribution of our officers and staff to these reductions really shouldn't be under-estimated or taken for granted,' he said. "It's also important to recognise that whilst the overall number of crime and anti-social behaviour incidents has reduced, the work that goes into dealing with them is becoming increasingly complex and resource-intensive.' Despite a decrease in general crime, the PSNI have also revealed that last year saw the highest number of race hate crimes and incidents since records began. Official statistics show that there were 454 more race incidents and 349 more race crimes recorded in comparison to the previous year. There were 1,807 race incidents and 1,188 race crimes documented in the 12 months from 1st April 2024 to 31st March 2025 – the highest financial year levels recorded since the data series began in 2004/05. A spokesperson for the activism group, United Against Racism Belfast, told this newspaper that 'the statistics on hate crime in the past year are disturbing and infuriating'. "Attacks on migrant communities have become virulent, both online and on the streets of our shared city,' they added. "Deliberate disinformation and hate-mongering around immigration, including by the current government, strip the humanity of Black, minority ethnic, Muslim and migrant communities. "As a result, we have seen multiple attacks on people for no other reason but the colour of their skin, their language or their perceived immigration status.' "This must stop'.
Belfast Telegraph
16-05-2025
- Belfast Telegraph
PSNI reports lowest ever number of anti-social behaviour reports across NI
Figures published by the PSNI have revealed details of crime incidents reported over the 12 months to March 31, 2025, including anti-social behaviour, domestic abuse, hate-motivated crime and drug seizures. According to the figures there has been a decrease in crime in Northern Ireland. There were 8,233 fewer crime incidents in NI over the past 12 months, a 7.9% drop from 2023/24 – including reductions in violent offences, criminal damage and harassment. Anti-social behaviour reports were also recorded at their lowest since the data series began in 2006/7, with 1,004 less incidents reported. Deputy Chief Constable Bobby Singleton praised the latest statistics, saying: 'These significant reductions demonstrate once again that not only is Northern Ireland one of the safest places to live, work and raise a family but also that the PSNI is a service that everyone here can be proud'. The Deputy Chief Constable also expressed his worry over declining police numbers. 'The continued contribution of our officers and staff to these reductions really shouldn't be under-estimated or taken for granted,' he said. "It's also important to recognise that whilst the overall number of crime and anti-social behaviour incidents has reduced, the work that goes into dealing with them is becoming increasingly complex and resource-intensive.' Despite a decrease in general crime, the PSNI have also revealed that last year saw the highest number of race hate crimes and incidents since records began. Official statistics show that there were 454 more race incidents and 349 more race crimes recorded in comparison to the previous year. There were 1,807 race incidents and 1,188 race crimes documented in the 12 months from 1st April 2024 to 31st March 2025 – the highest financial year levels recorded since the data series began in 2004/05. A spokesperson for the activism group, United Against Racism Belfast, told this newspaper that 'the statistics on hate crime in the past year are disturbing and infuriating'. "Attacks on migrant communities have become virulent, both online and on the streets of our shared city,' they added. "Deliberate disinformation and hate-mongering around immigration, including by the current government, strip the humanity of Black, minority ethnic, Muslim and migrant communities. "As a result, we have seen multiple attacks on people for no other reason but the colour of their skin, their language or their perceived immigration status.' "This must stop'.
Belfast Telegraph
27-04-2025
- Politics
- Belfast Telegraph
Heavy police presence as anti-racism and far-right gather for counter-protests at Belfast city hall
At one side of Belfast City Hall stood the 'Belfast Stands Against Racism rally' organised by United Against Racism Belfast which was endorsed by 137 organisations across Belfast and beyond. In a post on social media ahead of the rally, they said: "This coalition of trade unions, tenant unions, poilitical parties and community groups and activists reject the hate and division whipped up by the far-right." "Join us at City Hall and say no to racism and no to fascism.' They held banners reading 'No Hate No Fear Refugees Welcome Here' and 'Belfast stands against racism'. On the other side of the Belfast City Hall gates saw an anti-immigration rally with banners reading 'Belfast Says No' and 'We need to protect our children'. The PSNI was present during the rallies.
