INVITATION
Irish Network Against Racism (ENAR Ireland)
invites you to
Seminar on
Freedom of Religion and Belief:
Implications for Contemporary Ireland
Key note speaker: Professor Malcolm Evans OBE, University of Bristol
Chaired by Anastasia Crickley, NUI Maynooth
The seminar provides a space to explore issues and opportunities arising out of religious diversity and to identify strategies to both accommodate diversity and address discrimination in Ireland.
Date: Tuesday 1st May 2012
Time: 10.30 am – 4.00pm
Where: Morrison Hotel, Ormond Quay, Dublin 1.
For more info, go to Seminar on Religion (FORB) Info Note
RSVP: Laura Curtin, EnarIreland@gmail.com Tel. 01 8897110 by Thursday 26th April please.
The Irish Network Against Racism (ENAR Ireland) is a national network of organisations working collectively to highlight and address racism. We are the Irish Coordination for the European Network Against Racism, an EU-wide network of over 700 NGOs.
Irish Network Against Racism (ENAR Ireland), 55 Parnell Square, Dublin 1. Enarireland@gmail.com www.enarireland.org www.enar-eu.org
EWAR 2012.Action
Speak Out Against Racism this
EUROPEAN WEEK AGAINST RACISM (17-25 March)
1 Find Out What’s Going On!
Visit the Online Calendar at
www.enarireland.org/ewar2012
2 Sign the Petition on Racist Crime
Support the campaign to have racist crime recognised in Irish Law
Sign our petition online at www.enarireland.org
3 Report racist incidents
Report racist incidents online at www.enarireland.org or call us on 01 8897110 for more info. In cases of emergency call 999.
The Irish Network Against Racism is a national network and part of the European Network Against Racism.
Happy St. Patrick’s Day!
| PRESS STATEMENT
6th March 2012
Death threat to ENAR Director highlights urgent need for laws on racist crime
Michaël Privot, Director of the European Network Against Racism (ENAR), received a death threat following his participation in a live web-chat on freedom of expression, organised by Belgian weekly magazine Le Vif/L’Express on 28 February 2012. The threat against ENAR’s director was posted anonymously on the magazine’s webpage. He has lodged a complaint today for incitement to racial hatred and violence, in Brussels.
The European Network Against Racism is very concerned by this manifestation of racial hatred and violence. The proliferation of hate speech on internet platforms makes clear the need for systematic and preventative measures.
In light of this threat, the Irish Network Against Racism (ENAR Ireland) reiterates its call on the Irish Government to reform the criminal law to deal with racist crime, including incitement against hatred.
Catherine Lynch, National Coordinator said, “Reports of racist incidents received by the Irish Network Against Racism indicate the urgent need for action by Government on racially motivated crimes. Many of the commitments made by successive governments to protecting people from racially motivated crime, have not been met. We should not think that because this particular incident happened in Belgium, that it could not happen Ireland. Activists and others who speak out against racism have been targeted here also. Only last month for example, Aodhan Ó Riordáin, Labour TD, became the target of hate mail, after he stood up against racist comments by a fellow politician, Cllr. Darren Scully.”
The UN is among those who have criticised Ireland’s response to racist incidents. In March last year the UN Committee on the Elimination of all Forms of Racial Discrimination (CERD) noted that the review of the Incitement to Hatred Act 1989 had stalled. It also recommended that the racist motivation be consistently taken into account as an aggravating factor in sentencing practice for criminal offences.
It is worrying to note that this incident is the latest in a series of threats directed at representatives of ENAR member organisations in several countries (including Doros Polykarpou from the organisation KISA in Cyprus, Jallow Momodou from the National Afro-Swedish Association in Sweden, and Andreas Hieronymus from the Institut for Migrations- und Rassismusforschung in Germany), not to mention the numerous individuals across Europe who face racist violence (whether verbal or physical) on a daily basis.
ENAR Chair Chibo Onyeji said: “This latest incident shows that the climate of hatred and intolerance against migrants and ethnic and religious minorities in Europe has direct and very real consequences on individuals’ safety and well-being. We urge the EU authorities to finally take concrete steps to address these threats to the peace, security and cohesion of our societies.”
For further information, contact:
Georgina Siklossy, Communication and Press Officer
Tel: +32 (0)2 229 35 70 - Mobile: +32 (0)473 49 05 31
E-mail: georgina@enar-eu.org - Website: http://www.enar-eu.org/
Or
Catherine Lynch, Irish Network Against Racism, Tel. 087 2507942 E-mail enarireland@gmail.com
Notes to the editor:
1. The European Network Against Racism (ENAR) is a network of more than 700 NGOs working to combat racism in all EU member states. ENAR aims to fight racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, and to promote equality of treatment between EU citizens and third country nationals.
2. A summary of the live chat on Le Vif/L’Express, as well as comments, can be found here. The death threat comment was removed by Le Vif/L’Express as soon as it was reported to them. URL for press statement: http://cms.horus.be/files/99935/MediaArchive/pdfpress/2012-03-05%20death%20threat%20complaint-final.pdf
3. The Irish Network Against Racism is the National Coordination for the ENAR in Ireland. See www.enarireland.org for more information.
The Irish Network Against Racism shall launch its annual State of Nation Report and the European Shadow Report on Racism during the European Week Against Racism (17-25 March).
4. Aodhan Ó Riordáin lodged a complaint under the Incitement to Hatred Act in November 2011, in response to comments made by Cllr. Darren Scully indicating that he would not represent “black Africans”. He subsequently received hate mail, see for media article in the Herald for example at http://www.herald.ie/news/well-put-a-bullet-in-your-brain-sick-hate-mail-to-td-3020046.html |
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ENAR 60 Rue Gallait, B-1030 Brussels
Tel: +32 2 229 35 70, Fax: +32 2 229 35 75
info@enar-eu.org www.enar-eu.org |
Irish Network Against Racism (ENAR Ireland), 55 Parnell Square, Dublin 1. Tel. 01 8897110 / 087 2507942. enarireland@gmail.com www.enarireland.org
17-25 MARCH – EUROPEAN WEEK AGAINST RACISM (EWAR 2012)
Organising an event for European Week Against Racism?
Let us know!
If you’re organising an activity for the European Week Against Racism, Let us Know! Please answer the questions below, email them back to us at enarireland@gmail.com and we will include it in our online Calendar of Events!
Your action might be large or small – the important thing is that you Speak Out Against Racism!
Maybe you want to hold an event? Maybe you don’t have many resources but want to make your voice heard? Well, this could be the time to report a racist incident? This is the time to call on the Government to change the law to recognise racist crime. Sign our petition or report a racist incident online at www.enarireland.org
European Week Against Racism
European Week Against Racism centres on International Day Against Racism and is co-ordinated in Ireland by the Irish Network Against Racism (ENAR Ireland). This Year, the focus is on Speaking Out Against Racism.
March 21st, International Day Against Racism
March 21st is International Day Against Racism, a day when the people across the globe show their opposition to racism. This annual event declared as a memorial by the United Nations in response to the murder of 69 anti-apartheid demonstrators in Sharpeville, South Africa, in 1960.
EnarIreland@gmail.com Tel. 01-8897110 www.enarireland.org
Get organised and let us know!
If you’re organising an activity for the European Week Against Racism or the International Day Against Racism, send us the detail via email for inclusion in our calendar. We’ll need the following:
- Title of activity
- Name of organisation
- Description of activity (100 words max.)
- Date
- Time
- Location
- Fee to attend the event
- Contact person
- Telephone
- Email address for bookings or press
- Website
For materials and information on the campaign across Europe, visit United’s website, www.unitedagainstracism.org
The Irish Network Against Racism is a national network and the Irish Coordination for the European Network Against Racism.
Preamble
The Anti Racism Election Protocol has played an important role since 2001[1] in ensuring that elections have been conducted in such a way that they do not incite hatred or prejudice on the grounds of ‘race’, colour, nationality or ethnic or national origin, religious belief and membership of the Traveller Community. Political parties that have already endorsed the protocol include:
Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael, Green Party, Labour Party, Sinn Féin, Socialist Party, Workers’ Party, Libertas, People before Profit.
The European Network Against Racism (ENAR) Ireland is inviting individual candidates to demonstrate their commitment to anti-racism by signing the declaration as an indication of their own personal support and endorsement of the protocol.
Declaration of Intent by political candidates
I as a candidate in the 2011 elections agree:
- To send a consistent and clear message to my constituents that I reject racism.
- To condemn any campaign materials or statements that may incite hatred or express prejudice on the grounds of ‘race’, colour, nationality or ethnic or national origin, religious belief and membership of the Traveller Community[2]
- To guarantee that when engaging in on-going debate in relation to groups which are the potential targets of racism, such as asylum seekers, refugees, migrant workers and Travellers, my contribution to such debate is conducted in a responsible way and with respect to the dignity and rights of minority ethnic groups.
- To use appropriate and inclusive language and words when referring to people of different ethnic backgrounds, in order to avoid creating prejudice or confusion.
- To inform all my political campaigners about the intent and contents of this Protocol.
Signed:
Date:
Party:
For further information on the Anti Racism Election Protocol, please contact ENAR Ireland, 55 Parnell Square West, Dublin 1. EnarIreland@gmail.com www.enarireland.org Tel. 01 8897110
Anti Racism Political Protocol
[1] The protocol was originally developed in 2001 by the National Consultative Committee on Racism and Interculturalism (NCCRI) in partnership with all political parties, see: www.nccri.ie
[2] These are the relevant categories defined in the Equal Status Act (2000) and the Employment Equality Act (1998).
PRESS RELEASE PRESS RELEASE PRESS RELEASE PRESS RELEASE
Wednesday 4th January 2012
Stephen Lawrence case demonstrates that the Irish Government must reform criminal law to secure justice for victims of racist crimes urgently.
Two men were today sentenced for the racist murder of Stephen Lawrence in 1993 having been found guilty only yesterday, almost two decades later. The Irish Network Against Racism (ENAR Ireland) welcomes the convictions. Catherine Lynch, National Coordinator, said, “Today our thoughts are with the Lawrence family who have fought for near two decades to find justice for their son. The case highlighted failures in the British criminal justice system to deal with racist violence and crime. The Irish Network Against Racism argues that there are also weaknesses in the Irish system. Government and law enforcers alike must take racist incidents seriously. The Network calls on the Government to introduce legislation that deals with racist crime now.”
There is currently no provision within Irish legislation to deal with racist crime. It is at the discretion of judges to consider racist motive as a factor when determining a sentence in a case; these cases are treated like any other case. Making racism a crime sends the message that racism is not acceptable in Irish society and helps secure justice for victims. The Network calls on the Government to prioritise legal reform to deal with racism adequately in Criminal Law.
Reports of racist incidents received the Irish Network Against Racism (ENAR Ireland) indicate the urgent need for action by Government on racially motivated crimes. Many of the commitments made by governments to protecting ethnic minorities from racist crime, have not been met.
The UN has criticised the State’s response to racist incidents. Early last year the UN Committee on the Elimination of all Forms of Racial Discrimination (CERD) noted with regret that the review of the Incitement to Hatred Act 1989 had stalled. It also recommended that the racist motivation be consistently taken into account as an aggravating factor in sentencing practice for criminal offences. It recommended that the State take appropriate steps to encourage the reporting of racist incidents and crimes.
Two thirds of the incidents reported to the Network, the national independent monitoring organisation, involve racist violence and crime. Yet Ireland still struggles to monitor racist incidents and legal reform has not kept up with the changes in Irish society.
The reality for ethnic minorities in Ireland is that racism is a daily experience. Catherine Lynch, National Coordinator says, “It is very worrying to see that people cannot feel safe even at home. A number of the incidents reported to us took place just outside the person’s house or on the walk home. Public transport is also an area where we see racist incidents, with taxi drivers and bus drivers alike being the targets of racist abuse. A seemingly minor incident can escalate into a very serious one. We need to be vigilant and monitor all types of incident. A racist incident impacts on the individual and on the whole community. Striking at the core of a person’s identity, it is an attack on who you are.”
Racist incidents are often not reported to police and sometimes people feel that they may not be taken seriously. Only one in six of the people who came to the Network had reported the incident to the Gardaí. Under-reporting is an issue internationally. The Network is working with NGOs and the authorities to try to make sure that there is effective monitoring of racist incidents. This requires commitment from Government. Legislation plays a key role in addressing racism.
Recommendations
- Legislation should be introduced which employs a combination of racially aggravated offences and penalty enhancement provisions.
- The Government needs to support a comprehensive mechanism to monitor racist incidents, which includes NGOs as equal partners in the process. Garda systems must be enhanced to protect against any failure to properly record or follow up on reports of racist incidents.
- Conclude the review of the Incitement to Hatred Act.
Further information: Catherine Lynch, National Coordinator, EnarIreland@gmail.com
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The Irish Network Against Racism (ENAR Ireland) is a national network of organisations and the Irish Coordination for the European Network Against Racism, an EU-wide network of over 700 NGOs.
The Network is the National Independent Monitor of Racist Incidents in Ireland.
Report racism online, visit www.enarireland.org
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We’ve redesigned the site to make it easier to use and to incorporate some new technology to help us monitor racism in Ireland. We hope you enjoy the new design.
ENAR issues the Four Point Call for Action to the Danish, Cypriot and Polish Trio of Presidencies of the EU.
ENAR has published the Memorandum to the Trio of Presidencies on Building an equal Europe for all. The memorandum sets out a four point call for action. Specifically, ENAR calls on the Trio of Presidencies to:
1. Execute negations on Multiannual Financial Framework.
2. Fulfill the EU Commitment towards equality.
3. Address social challenges and contribute to social inclusion.
4. Fulfill commitments to ensure the equal rights of all in Europe.
For the full Memorandum to the Danish, Polish and Cypriot Trio of Presidencies, visit http://cms.horus.be/files/99935/MediaArchive/Memorandum%20Trio%20final.pdf
Fine Gael and Labour formed a Coalition government, taking office on 9th March 2011, following the General Election on 25th February 2011. Enda Kenny, Leader of Fine Gael is the new Taoiseach while Eamonn Gilmore, Labour Party leader takes office as an Tanaiste.
Find out more after the jump
Continue reading The New Government – who’s who? Ministers, deputies…
DURBAN III - TEN YEARS SINCE THE WORLD CONFERENCE AGAINST RACISM.
On Thursday 22 September, heads of State and government representatives meet in New York for the high-level meeting of the General assembly. The meeting marks the tenth anniversary of the adoption of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action.
There will be a webcast of events. The link to the Durban 111 webpage link is as follows:
http://www.un.org/en/ga/durbanmeeting2011/
For updates and analysis, watch this space or check us out on Facebook.
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