Residents are being urged to attend an anti-racism rally outside Daisy Hill Hospital in Newry on Saturday.
The event is aimed at showing solidarity to healthcare staff who have recently been subjected to racist abuse – and with one strong message: Racism has no place here.
‘The ‘Racism Has No Place Here’ event has been organised by Daisy Hill staff and the Unison trade union.
It takes place at the lower exit of Daisy Hill Hospital, on the Hospital Road, and starts at 6pm.
MP for Newry and Armagh, Dáire Hughes, has encouraged as many people as possible to attend.
“Newry is a great place to live and work in,” said the Sinn Féin representative.
“Our communities are strong and our people are overwhelmingly welcoming. Unfortunately, a tiny minority have been involved in disgusting racist attacks. Their actions are a stain on our entire community.
“We have worked hard locally to promote and protect services at Daisy Hill Hospital. The recruitment of vital international health workers was a key component in securing services at our local hospital and providing the best quality local healthcare.
“Up to 70 doctors and specialised nurses were recruited to local hospitals. Their commitment and contribution to local healthcare is supreme. These people and their families have uprooted their lives to provide essential services for the people of Newry and Armagh, and further afield.”
Mr Hughes added: “On Saturday, May 17, we have an opportunity to stand in solidarity with our NHS staff, those people who have come to build their lives here and who contribute massively to our communities.
“The overwhelming majority of people in our community welcome these people and their families, and recognise the immense contribution they make to local healthcare and wider society. The repulsive actions of a few racists will not change that, but their despicable actions have caused fear and anxiety.
“The ’Racism Has No Place Here’ event give us the opportunity to show our solidarity and to redouble our efforts to stamp out these warped behaviours from our streets. Newry will continue to stand in solidarity with anyone facing odious and repulsive racism.”
