The Workers Party recently joined a counter demonstration in support of refugees and migrants in Newry. We were happy to stand with other anti-racism campaigners against a group calling themselves ‘Newry Says No’ who were on the march in the town. This group of flag-happy young men (mostly) are part of the right wing-inspired anti-immigration movement that has been on our streets spreading misinformation and lies against ethnic minorities.

Our mantra was “no hate, no fear, refugees are welcome here."

These ‘No’ people claim to be protecting women and children from abuse and attacks, yet have never raised their voices against white male oppression and violence against women and girls. We have seen the protection these racists show to women and children when in parts of Northern Ireland homes and public facilities were set alight leaving families terrified and afraid to go back to the communities they lived and worked in."

We need legislation that deals with hate crimes. We cannot allow sectarian bigotry to be replaced by racial bigotry. We have lived through enough violence as have our many people who have come here to escape violence in their home countries.

Racist hate fests will have to stop. Refugees and migrants are being scapegoated because of government failures. They bring diversity which enrich our culture and society. They are not taking our houses, jobs or public services.

Our governments and the contractors and landlords have presided over the housing crises on this island. The Workers Party demands a state construction company that would not only tackle the housing crisis but would also be an economic boost to local communities by providing well paid sustainable employment, and apprenticeships for our young people.

We in Northern Ireland should understand what 30 years of sectarianism inflicted on communities and working-class families has done. We cannot allow racism to take us back to that violence and wanton destruction. Racist sloganeering is a hate crime and hatred should not have a place in our society. Immigrants keep our hospitals and healthcare systems operational. Refugees are not allowed to work and live on a pittance, just like our ancestors who travelled to every country in the world to seek a better life for their families.

It is time to give racism the red card. The majority of our citizens in Northern Ireland want to live in peace with those who have come to live here. It is time we said enough is enough. Our politicians should show some leadership and introduce a Bill of Rights that would protect all our citizens in Northern Ireland.