City holds anti-racism rally
AN anti-racism rally has been held in Belfast following attacks on ethnic minorities.
Last month, over 100 Romanians were forced to take up temporary refuge after a spate of racist incidents in south Belfast.
The rally was organised by the Irish Congress of Trade Unions.
Leading loyalist Jackie McDonald was among those showing solidarity with victims.
The demonstration heard calls for a new campaign from civil society and all levels of government for properly funded programmes to combat the "disease of racism" in all communities, schools and workplaces across Northern Ireland.
Peter Bunting, ICTU Assistant General Secretary, said: "This event today ought to be the launch-pad for a new campaign for sufficient resources for anti-racism champions in every community, across the creeds and the classes.
"We are prepared to invest to prevent the spread of Swine Flu, and Measles, Mumps and Rubella. We must invest in the prevention of other social illnesses.
"Racism is a contagious disease. But racism is a preventable disease," he added.
Near all of the affected Roma families have since returned to their homeland.
Members of the Polish community were intimidated out of their homes in the Village area of the city earlier this year.
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Weather for Belfast
Monday 28 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 12 C to 24 C
Wind Speed: 14 mph
Wind direction: South east
Tomorrow
Sunny spells
Temperature: 13 C to 21 C
Wind Speed: 7 mph
Wind direction: South
