THE North West Migrants Forum wishes to put on record its disgust and disappointment at the shameful scenes which gripped Belfast and the wider UK at the weekend.
Let us be clear from the outset: What unfolded was not some spur-of-the-moment eruption of violence. It was orchestrated racism, Islamophobia and anti-blackness. It was hate.
Such thuggery has no place in democratic society and we stand shoulder to shoulder with all those who have been affected by what occurred.
Worryingly for us and our members, plans for the events of the weekend were widely circulated on social media. Yet these gangs of marauding hoodlums were able to parade through the streets with little or no restriction before attacking businesses and destroying livelihoods.
We feel a more robust approach from the PSNI could have prevented some of the destruction however hopefully those arrested will now be made to face the full consequences of their actions.
What has been very heartening is the response from so many ordinary, decent people who have shown solidarity and helped with the clean-up operation. By doing so they have sent a strong message to the relatively small number of individuals who chose to express their views through fear and intimidation.
On a broader note, our Chief Executive, Lilian Seenoi Barr, has written to First Minister Michelle O’Neill, Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly, Justice Minister Naomi Long and Taoiseach Simon Harris to express her concern at the response of governments north and south of the border to the escalating hate crimes, Islamophobia and racism on our island.
Now more than ever we need to stand with our migrant and minoritised communities and challenge racism rather than accommodating it. Our CEO is calling on Ireland’s political leaders, as a matter of urgency, to take immediate and decisive action to protect all residents of this island by fostering a more inclusive, safe and respectful environment for everyone.
Obviously there are those out there with legitimate concerns. We as an organisation support peaceful protest and we are always open to the peaceful sharing of views and opinions.
But progress will only be made through constructive and respectful conversations. Rioting, looting and savagery as was witnessed on Friday, Saturday and Sunday will achieve nothing.