THE Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council has urged political leaders to do more to promote the contributions migrants make to Northern Ireland society.
Councillor Lilian Seenoi Barr made her remarks at a meeting this week of the All-Party Group on Ethnic Minority Communities.
The North West Migrants Forum (NWMF) has just been appointed secretariat of the group which was established to promote the rights of those from minoritised backgrounds and to tackle policy issues that impact ethnic minority communities in the North.
The All-Party Group enables organisations like NWMF to engage with decision makers on how to move forward towards a Northern Ireland that is vibrant, diverse and inclusive for all.
Chairing it is Kate Nicholl of the Alliance Party with Dr Steve Aiken of the Ulster Unionist Party in post as Vice-Chair.
Representatives of a wide range of bodies (see main photo) met in Parliament Buildings on Thursday for the All-Party Group engagement which was chaired by Joint NWMF and Committee on the Administration of Justice Project Research and Campaigns Worker Shannon Doherty. Among issues discussed were hate crime, housing, the hostile environment and the need for asylum seekers to be able to work.
TURBULENT TIMES
Addressing those gathered, Lillian Seenoi Barr spoke of the vile abuse she suffered following her recent appointment as Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council.
Northern Ireland was experiencing “turbulent times” marked by rising anti-migrant sentiment, she said. But it was also evolving and that was something to be embraced rather than opposed.
“Over 125,000 people here were born outside the UK and we are home to nearly 3,000 people seeking asylum, each contributing unique languages, cultures and with untapped talents.
“This diversity is a remarkable asset. For Northern Ireland to truly transform we must embrace and utilise this wealth of skills, cultures and perspectives,” Mrs Barr said.
The All-Party Group delivers the interests of minoritised communities directly to those in power. The Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council said that by engaging with the North West Migrants Forum and other groups advocating for the rights of such communities, MLAs can develop policies that will lead to a more just society.
“It is no secret that Northern Ireland has long been characterised by a cultural tug-of-war between its main ethno-nationalist communities.
“Those who do not fit into the traditional binary often find themselves side-lined, intimidated and threatened.
“Including new cultures and ideas can have a healing potential, lessening the fear of the ‘other’ through intercultural dialogue in communities, workplaces and political institutions.
“Platforming new voices symbolises hope, demonstrating that anyone can rise to the highest levels of public service.”
ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER
On the threats and negativity directed at her, Mrs Barr said she wanted to thank her political colleagues for their support.
But real change will be delivered through actions, not words, she added.
“I want to take this opportunity to thank local leaders, particularly Colum Eastwood, Doug Beattie and First Minister Michelle O’Neill not just for condemning such behaviours on social media but also for contacting me directly with their support.
“But while warm words are important, actions speak louder. Leaders like First Minister Michelle O’Neill can use their public roles to counter misinformation, especially in the age of social media.
“They should promote the benefits of diversity and respect for differences, highlighting the economic benefits that migrants and minoritised communities make.
“The All-Party Group is a critical tool for actively promoting equality, mutual respect and human rights for all. It is essential that we also actively highlight the numerous contributions that black and minoritised communities make to our society every day.”