The Lithuanian ambassador to the UK has set up a temporary cousulate in Dungannon, Co Tyrone, to support eastern Europeans subjected to racism.
Ambassador Vygaudas Usackas is visiting the North in response to 64 assaults on Lithuanian citizens last year. As well as supporting his countrymen, Mr Usackas said he wanted to help develop a better appreciation of eastern European people.
"I think they do clearly contribute to the economy of Northern Ireland and they promote different culture and links between our countries," he said.
Mr Usackas said people in Lithuania were relatively unaware of the Troubles and perceived Northern Ireland as a country where money could be made. Eastern Europeans wanted to know why Lithuanians are being attacked. "I'm here to learn that and try to contribute towards a better course of events.
"There's a need to make that extra mile to find those perpetrators who conducted these attacks not just for the Lithuanian people, but for everyone involved for justice to take place, which, I think, is one of the key preconditions for stability and the well being of every citizen in Northern Ireland," he said.
Francie Molloy of Sinn Féin, said the outreach centre "not only brings an essential service to the foreign nationals who are contributing to the wider community in Dungannon but can also play a vital role in breaking down barriers."