Failure to address racism in NI, committee hears

A Stormont committee has been told that ethnic minority communities have seen a failure in addressing racism in Northern Ireland.

The Executive Office committee has been hearing from local groups on how racist violence has affected their communities.

It was also told that some ethnic minority groups have been "advised by the PSNI to consult, negotiate or listen to community leaders with a link to paramilitary organisations".

The focus comes after a summer of racially motivated violence including disorder, street violence and targeted attacks.

The PSNI has described a recent rise in the number of reported race hate crimes as "stark".

One of the witnesses was Beverly Simpson, representing the North West Migrants' Forum, she told the committee "whether it is one member or a hundred members, proscribed organisations are engaged in repeat harassment, intimidation and attacks against ethnic minorities communities".

She said it "is not acceptable" to be told to negotiate with leaders with paramilitary links.

"Our community members report being advised by the PSNI to consult, negotiate or listen to community leaders with a link to paramilitary organisations. This is not acceptable in any democratic, peaceful society."

She went on to say the executive has "a duty protect the human rights of all its citizens. We need robust action on paramilitary violence".

The PSNI have been contacted for a response.

Dr Naomi Green, from the Belfast Islamic Centre said there are nearly 12,000 Muslims in Northern Ireland and that 4000 of them are children.

She said that because of violence and disorder "many are now contemplating leaving Northern Ireland".

When speaking about the disorder in August she said: "The initial police response was disappointing but we are grateful that the police have responded swiftly since.

"It's not enough to react when hate surfaces, the underlying causes that allow it to fester must be addressed. Racism and islamophobia intersect and there is a longstanding failure to address either of these in NI."

She also called out superficial responses with the issue of racism and said there needs to be "real meaningful engagement to tackle racism...not tick box exercises".

Dr Green also spoke about the discourse surrounding the August protests and violence.

She said: "There are voices within the political and media space who continue to speak of legitimate concerns in a way that subtly excuses attacks and prejudice on minority communities in NI.

"There is nothing legitimate about fuelling resentment and scapegoating Muslims or other minorities for complex issues like housing shortages or economic difficulties and you will not resolve them by scapegoating us."

Mr Takura Donald Makoni, from the African and Caribbean Support Organisation NI, told the committee that funding is not getting to the organisations run by and for migrants and ethnic minority groups.

"What benefit is an Open Botanic event, which is a cultural event, which costs £40,000...it's not for us, it's making yourself feel good for doing something which actually has no outcome for the community that you're being funded to service.

"This is ubiquitous in the third sector," he added.

Mr Muhammed Atif is a representative of the Belfast Multi-Cultural Association.

He asked the committee: "When do I stop being an immigrant, is there a timeline? It's been 16 years. My kids have not seen any other country.

"Please do not call us immigrants anymore."

Mr Atif is a business owner and said he has invested a lot in Northern Ireland: "200 jobs I've created...I've opened and successfully run multiple business, I'm proud of that".

"Do you know how many locals I employ? 99%, but I am not local," he added.