New racism awareness campaign launched

A new campaign to combat racism in schools was launched today as part of a series of events leading up to an international day against racism on March 21st.

The campaign is a joint initiative by the National Consultative Committee on Race and Interculturalism and the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland. It is aimed at informing young people about the diversity of ethnic minorities within Ireland.

An activity pack containing a variety of activities to raise awareness of cultural difference is to be made available to schools across the country.

RTÉ radio used the opportunity to announce a number of internships in its programme 'One World’ for journalists from an ethnic minority background.

A video to aid primary school teachers discuss the issue of refugees with their students was also launched by a representative of the UNHCR.

NCCRI director Mr Philip Watt said: "It is often said that young people are our future. Today, more than ever, young are growing in an increasingly multi-ethnic Ireland; it is important for them to get an opportunity to reflect on issues such racism and to think of how, in the coming years, they will build a more inclusive Ireland."

A series of events is planned over the coming days to highlight the problem of racism in Ireland. Details of the events can be obtained by contacting the NCCRI.