Inishowen Development Partnership is appalled and saddened by the violence, intimidation and racist attacks directed at black and minority ethnic communities across the North of Ireland in recent days.
We were profoundly shocked by the recent knife attack in Belfast, and our thoughts remain with the man who was injured, his family and loved ones at this difficult time. We wish him a full and speedy recovery.
No act of violence against an individual can ever justify the targeting of entire groups of people. No community should be judged by the actions of one person, and collective blame has no place in a fair, inclusive and democratic society.
Across our region, we see every day how people from different backgrounds live, work and thrive together. Migrants who have chosen to make their lives here are our neighbours, friends, colleagues and classmates. They are an integral part of our shared community, enriching our social, cultural and economic life in countless positive ways.
IDP also want to recognise the powerful leadership being shown by communities, organisations and individuals across Northern Ireland who are coming together in solidarity—supporting those affected and standing firmly against hatred and division. Their actions reflect the very best of our society and remind us that compassion, courage and unity will always be stronger than fear.
Through our work across Inishowen and the wider North West region, including our cross-community, cross-border and integration initiatives, IDP has seen firsthand the strength that comes from building understanding and connection. Programmes such as I-STAR (Inishowen Standing Together Against Racism) and Making Peaceful Change are rooted in this belief—that by working together, listening to one another, and fostering belonging, we can create safer, more inclusive communities for all.
At this time, we stand in solidarity with everyone affected. We remain committed, now more than ever, to nurturing hope, strengthening relationships across communities and borders, and continuing the vital work of building a society where everyone is treated with dignity, respect and a true sense of belonging.
