INTERNATIONAL Anti-Racism Day was marked in a special way in Limerick this past week.
The international day against racism took place on Thursday, March 21, and saw Mayor of Limerick Councillor Gerald Mitchell officially launch the Limerick Migrant Integration Forum.
The forum was launched as part of the EU INTEgreat Project, and in association with Doras.
The forum aims to empower migrant communities in Limerick to collaborate, network to promote social inclusion, integration and active participation in key decision-making bodies and networks in the region.
Established in November 2023, the Limerick Migrant Integration Forum already has over 40 members, from 20 different international backgrounds.
Speaking at the official launch event, Mayor Mitchell said that the forum has already shown its value in its short time.
“I had the privilege of chairing the Inaugural meeting of the Limerick Migrant Integration Forum in November 2023 and it has already shown its value.”
He continued: “The Forum has been extremely active and to the fore of many great initiatives including the organisation of Africa Day and supporting the Ukrainian community. It is exciting to consider the possibilities for the future as this Forum empowers and supports Limerick’s many diverse cultures.”
Kate Njoku, Chair of Limerick Migrant Integration Forum said that the forum aims to give a voice to migrants from all sorts of backgrounds living in Limerick.
“This forum stands as a voice and representation for all migrants within our communities. Racism has been proven to have damaging consequences for migrants who already may have found themselves in extremely difficult and harsh living conditions, especially women and children. Today we join other global communities to advocate for the total eradication of racial discrimination in all of its form,” she said.
The event to mark International Anti-Racism Day and the launch of Limerick Migrant Integration Forum forms part of the ongoing Limerick United Against Racism (LUAR) campaign.
The campaign is an initiative of the Migrant Integration Steering Group, which is a network of 19 statutory agencies, community and voluntary organisations and migrant representatives and support groups.
It is coordinated by the Intercultural Awareness and Anti-Racism Subgroup, whose chair Mr Eugene Quinn, acknowledged the important role of the Migrant Forum in informing policy and promoting integration across the region.
He said: “The Limerick United Against Racism campaign aims to ensure there is zero tolerance in Limerick for racism in all forms. The campaign sends a strong message of support to migrants and migrant communities highlighting the positive contribution diversity makes to the economic, social and cultural development of Limerick city and county”.
