A specially designed anti-racism emblem created by fashion designer Mr John Rocha was unveiled in Dublin earlier this afternoon.
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The anti-racism emblem designed by John Rocha
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Speaking at the launch, Mr Rocha stressed the importance of people learning from each other and said "we are after all only divided by space, five continents, one people." The emblem, based on this theme, is part of KNOW Racism, the National Anti-Racism Awareness Programme.
KNOW Racism forms part of a three-year Government funded programme of measures aimed at addressing racism and promoting equality in Ireland at a time when levels of inward migration are increasing and cultural diversity is at an all time high.
In 2001, 40,189 people from non-European Economic Area countries migrated to Ireland and 10,325 sought asylum.
At today’s launch, Mr Joe McDonagh, Chairman of KNOW Racism said that while over 160 nationalities live and work in Ireland today, "for some, their experience of their new home has not been a pleasant one.
"It will be the responsibility of everyone to nurture the values in our society that respect and celebrate cultural diversity, and to work against those that tolerate racism," said Mr McDonagh. "There can be no place for racism in modern Ireland."
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Through a partnership approach, KNOW Racism aims to have a long-term sustainable impact and plans to co-ordinate activities to address racism both at national and local levels.
Over €2.54 million has been allocated by the Government to KNOW Racism for 2002.
The launch comes in advance of tomorrow’s International Day Against Racism when events are scheduled to take place across Ireland to highlight the damage that racism can do to society.
KNOW Racism is also distributing leaflets entitled ‘What you can do against Racism’ to every home in Ireland and an education programme for schools is also planned.