1.5.04
IOL
6,000 take part in anti-racism march
01/05/2004 - 14:50:53
Over 6,000 trade union members took to the streets of Belfast today to demand an end to racism.
The event, organised by the Irish Congress of Trade Unions, saw trade unionists demonstrating their opposition to all forms of racism in their annual rally and march through the city centre.
Clare Moore of the ICTU, said the theme of this year’s event was especially significant.
“Racist attacks are on the increase. In the first six weeks of this year, Police Service of Northern Ireland figures indicate that over 320 racially motivated incidents were reported in Northern Ireland,” she said.
“The May Day march is the biggest trade union march on these islands and this year it will be a demonstration of our complete opposition to such attacks and a strong celebration of the growing diversity in our community.”
The march was preceded by a rally at the College of Art Gardens at noon.
The assembled marchers were addressed by leading trade unionists and members of minority ethnic communities, including President of the Belfast Islamic Centre, Jamal Iweida.
A free family festival was held after the march in St George’s Market with live music, children’s art workshops, craft and food stalls and a special appearance from The Black Eagles, a world class acrobatic act from Tanzania.
“Through all the fun there is an important message – racism must be stamped out of Northern Ireland,” Ms Moore said.
“ICTU and the trade union movement is working towards a society which reflects the richness and diversity of all our citizens and the May Festival forms an inherent part of this work.”
6,000 take part in anti-racism march
01/05/2004 - 14:50:53
Over 6,000 trade union members took to the streets of Belfast today to demand an end to racism.
The event, organised by the Irish Congress of Trade Unions, saw trade unionists demonstrating their opposition to all forms of racism in their annual rally and march through the city centre.
Clare Moore of the ICTU, said the theme of this year’s event was especially significant.
“Racist attacks are on the increase. In the first six weeks of this year, Police Service of Northern Ireland figures indicate that over 320 racially motivated incidents were reported in Northern Ireland,” she said.
“The May Day march is the biggest trade union march on these islands and this year it will be a demonstration of our complete opposition to such attacks and a strong celebration of the growing diversity in our community.”
The march was preceded by a rally at the College of Art Gardens at noon.
The assembled marchers were addressed by leading trade unionists and members of minority ethnic communities, including President of the Belfast Islamic Centre, Jamal Iweida.
A free family festival was held after the march in St George’s Market with live music, children’s art workshops, craft and food stalls and a special appearance from The Black Eagles, a world class acrobatic act from Tanzania.
“Through all the fun there is an important message – racism must be stamped out of Northern Ireland,” Ms Moore said.
“ICTU and the trade union movement is working towards a society which reflects the richness and diversity of all our citizens and the May Festival forms an inherent part of this work.”
