NIPSA members have been shocked and horrified by the events of recent days where families have been attacked in their homes, public service buildings have been damaged and workers intimidated.
NIPSA unequivocally condemns these cowardly attacks which have been quite rightly described as ‘racist thuggery’. Those perpetrating racist violence do not speak for the vast majority of people here.
NIPSA stands fully behind the victims of violence against women and girls but the violence we are now witnessing does nothing to address that issue. Those who claim to be concerned about the welfare of children have been quite happy to see children put at grave risk and made homeless through these brutal attacks. It is quite clear that those on the far right who are stoking up this unrest will use any excuse for their vengeful action against innocent migrants and their families.
NIPSA has a proud history of standing against the division of working-class communities whether it is along sectarian or racial lines. We have also raised our voice to call for the proper funding of our public services, including children’s services. The lack of proper access to homes, jobs and public services plays into the hands of the racists who wish to sow division and scapegoat their neighbour for the failure of governments to address community needs.
The fault for the inadequacies of our services does not lie with asylum seekers and refugees who make up a tiny percentage of the population. There are fewer than 3,000 out of population of more than 1.9 million. There are simply not enough of them to be the source of the problem. As NIPSA has pointed out, our services have been run-down and underfunded for many years – a fact that is now admitted by Westminster. NIPSA will continue to fight for a needs-based budget.
NIPSA has been contacted by members who are now very fearful for their and their family’s safety. If you are affected, please contact your local NIPSA representative.
NIPSA takes this opportunity to commend our members from both the civil and public services who are actively involved in standing up to the racism.
Please join us on the next protest this weekend.
Stop The Violence & Hate – Defend public services and public service workers
Saturday 14 June at 12pm
Belfast City Hall
Those willing to act as stewards should email