Sinn Féin MLA Deirdre Hargey has welcomed a report from the Council of Europe’s European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI).

Speaking following the release of the report, the party’s justice spokesperson said:

“People who have come here to live and call Ireland their home should be welcomed. We want a society that values and celebrates our diversity.

“The ECRI report highlights ongoing racist incidents which people in the North sadly experience.

“Racist bullying and harassment, attacks on homes and businesses and threats made against people are all issues which must be faced down, and I commend the positive interventions made by communities in doing that.

“Paramilitary involvement in racist incidents must also be called out.

“The report puts an important focus on the need for education and proposes mandatory learning about decolonisation, black history and also Traveller and Roma history. 

“The Executive’s Racial Equality Strategy aims to eradicate racism and champion diversity and all of its strengths, and I will work with all political and community representatives to ensure that there can be no tolerance for racism, hatred, discrimination or intimidation in our society.”