THE North West Migrants Forum has welcomed a new ‘Mythbusting Migration, What are the Facts’ leaflet launched today by Derry City and Strabane District Council.
The document forms part of a new Good Relations Strategy and Action Plan which sets out an ambitious vision to strengthen community relationships, celebrate diversity and create an area where everyone feels welcome and safe.
The three-year strategy has been developed following extensive engagement with residents, community and voluntary organisations, statutory partners, elected members, council staff and young people to identify the key opportunities and challenges facing communities across the city and district.
The strategy outlines a series of practical initiatives designed to promote inclusion, encourage understanding, strengthen community connections and tackle issues such as racism, sectarianism, prejudice and hate crime.
The strategy focuses on four key themes – Children and Young People, Our Shared Community, Our Safe Community and Our Cultural Expression – with 14 programmes of work that will be delivered over the next three years.
These include initiatives promoting cultural diversity, youth leadership, community integration, support for shared spaces, minority ethnic inclusion, Traveller awareness and a series of events for Good Relations Week.
Speaking at the launch of the action plan, Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Grace Uí Niallais, said, “As our council area continues to grow and evolve, it is more important than ever that we work together to build understanding, encourage respect and create opportunities for people from all backgrounds to connect.
“This strategy provides a clear framework for how we can continue that work over the next three years and through collaboration with our communities and partners, we will support initiatives that celebrate diversity and ensure everyone feels they belong.
“I would encourage everyone to read the document, get involved and help us continue building a district that is welcoming and respectful of all.”
Media Officer with the North West Migrants Forum, Conor Sharkey, said such literature was important, particularly as anti-migrant sentiment continues to grow at an alarming rate.
“At a time when we are seeing so much misinformation and disinformation about those from minority backgrounds being peddled online, we need all sections of government to speak up. By publishing this leaflet, Derry City and Strabane District Council is sending the message that it will stand with migrants and that it is prepared to do its bit in countering the lies that are allowed to spread and fester all too freely online.”
The full strategy document can be accessed at https://www.derrystrabane.com/community/good-relations
