Anti Racist Network

dublin | rights, freedoms and repression | opinion/analysis Thursday October 16, 2003 00:38 by Davy Carlin - W/Belfast SWP carlindavid at hotmail dot com

Second meeting - Report

The second meeting of the Anti Racist Network was held in Belfast

The second meeting of the Anti Racist Network was held in Belfast in the N.I Chinese Welfare Association rooms. Those represented,

Political parties - Alliance Party, Sinn Fein, Socialist Workers Party, Women's Coaltion.

Ehnic Minority support groups - N. Ieland Council for Ethnic Minorities, N .Ireland Chinese Welfare Association, N. Ireland Islamic Association, Multi Cultural Resource Centre with the Traveller support group sending their apoligies but are keen for involvement.

There were various law firms and others who deal in Asylum law etc present.

Trade unionists including representation from the Belfast Trade council in attendance.

Young anti war and anti capitalist activists including Globalise Resistance amongst others were also in attendance.

OUTCOME

A statement is to be drawn up ASAP {next twelve hours} and circulated for endorsement - this against the disgusting and racist language used recently by a Ulster Unionist councillor. This to be printed in the media in time for the upcoming UU conference. The solicitors present are to also look into what possible action which can be taken against his statements.

Ethnic Minority organisations along with solicitors are to establish a monitoring committee to monitor and log racist attacks around the North and are in contact with those ethnic minority groups in Craigavon.

The mapping committee gave a report back and is to continue its work.

The Network is to reach out to others to become involved which will be made easier as the publicity team gets to work.

It was agreed that the Anti Racist Network's formal launch shall take place in three weeks. A number of political parties are to work on the publicity and practicalities of this.

It was agreed that the Anti racist Network while being involved at different levels in different ways - its primary function though is as a visual campaigning Network.

With that, several different organisations have established a committee to look to hold a Rock against Racism concert and Rally at Belfast city hall in December, just before Xmas.

The meetings are to be rotated and facilated by the different organisations - this after the next meeting.

Those whom wish to get involved in the Network or want futher info can E - Mail me as above. Davy Carlin