A range of organisations and community groups took part in a march in Galway to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination and show unity against racism.
Participants included Amach LGBT, Galway Traveller Movement, Galway City Community Network, along with asylum seekers, reports RTE.
Nora Corcoran, a settled Traveller from Ballinasloe and a prominent campaigner with the Galway Traveller Movement, said she became involved in activism to promote “positive change” and social justice, and to stand in solidarity with diverse groups.
“It’s time to eliminate racism and end discrimination,” she added, reports RTE.
Ms Corcoran emphasised the importance of education, noting that she graduated with an honours degree in business, social enterprise and leadership last year.
She is currently pursuing a master’s degree in social policy at Trinity College Dublin, reports RTE.
She said: “I’m a proud activist and Traveller. Travellers have suffered discrimination since the very beginning of the State. So we’re here to say enough is enough. We’re entitled to our basic human rights in all areas whether it’s social, economic, school or colleges,” reports RTE.
Sai Gujulla, a Peace Commissioner for Galway city and county and a member of GCARD, described the march as a peaceful effort to raise awareness and bring communities together.
He said: “We are gathered here for a peaceful protest against racism and discrimination that groups of people are facing against the likes of housing, disability and all the different forms of discrimination that people face. We want to raise awareness and seek protection for these groups,” reports RTE.
Tiernan Arnup Egan said those attending had come together to “stand against racism and discrimination” in Galway.
“The LGBT community exists in all other communities and it’s really important to remember that everyone needs to be included in this cause and this movement here in Galway,” he added, reports RTE.
Margaret O’Riada said the groups marched together under the banner of Galway Communities Against Racism and Discrimination.
Ms O’Riada said: “In today’s world, there is so much false and misleading information that functions to divide people on issues that should unite them such as housing, access to vital services and equality. GCARD aims to counteract narratives that tend to divide communities and turn them against each other. We want to build a strong Galway where communities work together. We live in a time where our leaders are running to war while our communities are being bled dry, reports RTE.
In March 2023, the Government introduced its National Action Plan Against Racism, aimed at protecting minority groups and improving their representation in public life.
The strategy is built around three key principles: “Being safe, being equal and being seen”, reports RTE.
However, advocacy groups such as Pavee Point have criticised the pace of progress.
They say that while some advances have been made in inclusion and racial equality, the rate of change does not match the “scale and urgency” of the challenges facing social cohesion and equality, reports RTE.
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