Several hundred people took part in an anti-racism rally at Belfast City Hall today in a protest against the recent spate of racist attacks in the city.

The rally, which was organised by the Anti-Racism Network in conjunction with local trade unions, coincided with the commemoration of the fourth annual UK Holocaust Memorial Day.

Belfast Lord Mayor, Councillor Martin Morgan, told the assembled crowd that it was the duty of all people in Northern Ireland to tackle racism. He said: “Bigotry, prejudice and intolerance still exist on the streets of this city. All political and community leaders and people with influence have a responsibility to speak out against such attacks – whether they are racist or sectarian. We must not be selective, but should condemn all acts of violence or threatening behaviour from whatever source, without reservation, as a scourge in our society.”

However, the Mayor stressed that it was not the sole responsibility of politicians and the government to address the issue of racism. He said: “Every man and woman has a leadership role to play in addressing racism. It may be by writing a letter to a paper, talking to a relative or empathizing with victims or by joining groups. Our roles are limited but not irrelevant.”

Anna Lo, from the Chinese Welfare Association, said that she feared Belfast’s growing reputation as a racist city was deserved. She said a lot of racist incidents went unreported and many Chinese people suffered racial abuse on a daily basis.

However, Jamal Iweida, president of the Belfast Islamic Centre, disagreed that Belfast was a dangerous place for ethnic minorities as he found the majority of people to be friendly and welcoming. He said it was only a "small minority" that needed to be educated.

He appealed to the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission and Equality Commission to work more closely with communities to promote better understanding.

(KMcA)