HANSON DENOUNCES RACIST ATTACKS
Equality Minister, David Hanson MP has emphasised Government’s determination to address racist attacks. Speaking following a meeting with the Lithuanian Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Vygaudas Usackas to discuss recent attacks on Lithuanian nationals, the Minister said: “Northern Ireland is becoming increasingly culturally diverse, in recent years we have seen increasing numbers of people arriving in Northern Ireland from not only Lithuania but from all over eastern Europe. The vast majority of visitors receive a warm welcome from local people who recognise the contribution that immigrants make to life in Northern Ireland. Regrettably, a tiny minority of people have taken it upon themselves to abuse, intimidate and attack these newcomers. It must be made clear to those involved in hate crime that they are not acting on behalf of ‘their’ community. Rather, their actions damage the interests of ‘their’ communities and bring shame on them. I condemn outright the most recent attack on a Lithuanian family in Antrim last week. I am determined that those who persist in such racist actions will be brought to justice. The Racial Equality Strategy for Northern Ireland provides a framework that allows Government and others to tackle racial inequalities, eradicate racism and hate crime.”
During the meeting the Minister and the Ambassador discussed actions to protect migrant workers through proactive policing and to bring perpetrators of racist attacks to justice.
The Minister also assured Mr Usackas that migrant workers would not be exploited and that government was providing visitors with information and guidance as well as enforcement action on terms and conditions of employment.
Ambassador Usackas said: “To promote better awareness of Lithuania in North Ireland, the Embassy of Lithuania in co-operation with the Mayor of Dungannon, local community and religious leaders will be organising ‘Lithuanian Days’ in early February. I hope that by working together we can promote better awareness, mutual respect and tolerance for all inhabitants of North Ireland.”
The Ambassador noted that later in spring of 2007 he plans to host an investment, trade and tourism conference in Belfast to promote the mutually beneficial relationship between North Ireland and Lithuania.
