RACIST ATTACKS against Romanian families in Belfast are a deeply troubling development. The threats and intimidation used to drive 20 families from their homes were extreme by any standard. Some families have been so traumatised they intend to leave Northern Ireland and return home. Unless politicians of all parties join with the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) and government agencies in confronting this criminal behaviour, it may spread further.
What is particularly worrying is that threats against these families in south Belfast had been intensifying for a number of weeks. A public rally organised by concerned members of the local community in response to this intimidation and in support of Romanian families was attacked last Monday by youths throwing bottles and giving Nazi salutes. Subsequently, one woman said her door was kicked down and a group of men, one of whom was armed, warned her to leave the district. Windows were broken in other homes and residents threatened and assaulted. Eventually, the families were given overnight shelter in a Protestant church. They have now been provided with emergency accommodation and security is being provided by the PSNI.
Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness described it as a “totally shameful episode”. And it was. Racial hatred is never very far from the surface in Belfast, as members of the Chinese, Indian and Polish communities can attest. Such attitudes are not, however, confined to Northern Ireland. All societies harbour racists within their ranks. What is important is that such people should not be allowed to spread their poisonous hatred, particularly as the effects of recession take hold.
In spite of the actions of a group of racist thugs in Belfast, the bigger picture offers hope. For, even as more than 100 Romanians were receiving police protection, 20,000 families in 11 communities across Northern Ireland joined in a “shared neighbourhood programme” designed to break down traditional barriers between unionists and nationalists. The scheme is funded by the International Fund and managed by the housing executive and it encourages communities to build shared neighbourhoods where everyone is accepted and respected. It offers hope to those courageous individuals who want to build a lasting peace and stable society where there was once division and sectarianism.
What happened in Belfast to those Romanian families was disgraceful and unacceptable. We must ensure it doesn’t occur here.