THE North West Migrants Forum has met with former Health Minister Robin Swann to discuss issues facing Northern Ireland’s migrant communities.
A delegation of NWMF representatives, its partner organisations and other community officials gathered in Antrim on Monday to speak to Mr Swann about a number of pressing matters.
Among those who met the Ulster Unionist MP was Chief Executive of the North West Migrants Forum, Councillor Lilian Seenoi Barr.
She described the meeting as “honest and constructive” and said that among the topics discussed were the need to challenge misinformation on immigration and for stronger political leadership to build a more inclusive Northern Ireland.
Mrs Barr said, “The meeting focused on immigration policy, racial equality, the urgent need for hate crime legislation and how we collectively challenge misinformation and change the public narrative around migration and diversity. We also discussed the importance of stronger political leadership in tackling racism, both online and within our communities and schools.
“We highlighted that while immigration policy is the responsibility of Westminster, integration is a devolved matter for the Northern Ireland Executive. However after years of delays in delivering updated race relations legislation and hate crime protections, we believe the time has come for Westminster to take a more active role in ensuring everyone in Northern Ireland is afforded equal protection under the law.”
Mrs Barr added that she wanted to thank Mr Swann for his time and to thank everyone who shared their lived experiences.
She added, “Your voices matter and they must continue to shape the policies that affect our communities.”
