Limerick unites as one against racism, on three bridges walk
Public demonstration of solidarity with all people who experience xenophobia
“RACISM in all forms is unacceptable in Limerick,” said Cllr Dan McSweeney at the start of a solidarity walk.
The príomh comhairleoir of Limerick City and County Council led the three bridges walk from the front doors of council offices at Merchant's Quay, to mark International Human Rights Day.
Cllr McSweeney was joined on the three bridges walk by staff of agencies, organisations and service providers who support migrant integration or promote human rights in Limerick. It was a public demonstration of solidarity with all people who experience racism or xenophobia.
At the commencement of the walk, Cllr McSweeney commented: “The Limerick United Against Racism campaign sends a strong and clear message of solidarity with people who have experienced racism in Limerick.
“The council is committed to and strongly supports this campaign, which seeks to foster a sense of belonging between all residents of Limerick irrespective of colour, creed or culture.”
Chair of the MISG’s Anti-Racism Subgroup, Mr. Eugene Quinn added: “Unfortunately, there has been a significant growth in anti-migrant sentiment and racist incidents nationally over the past year.
"Each of us has a role to play in ensuring racism is not tolerated in Limerick.” He said the solidarity walk and the Limerick United Against Racism campaign are an opportunity for public leadership to demonstrate there is zero-tolerance for racism in the region.
“All communities in Limerick, local and migrant, are equally valued and their fundamental human rights must be respected”.
“The campaign's online resource www.limerickunitedagainstracism.ie provides accessible information about the different types of racism, the impact of racism on victims and guidelines on how and when to report racism, and how to prepare for a conversation about diversity and racism,” concluded Mr Quinn.