Standing together for us all

For people who have sought sanctuary and a place of safety with the opportunity to rebuild their lives here, Northern Ireland has always offered a welcoming, compassionate place to call home. Equally, this is so for everyone living and working in Northern Ireland, whatever their background, and who contribute so much to our economy and our public services through vital work in many of our essential services. Their presence enriches our communities.

The small minority of people who this week have taken violence, racism and Islamophobia to our streets do not reflect who we are.

At Law Centre NI, we believe we are a society grounded in a shared belief in the dignity of everyone. We have seen this in the widespread acts of solidarity and support for those who have been affected. We stand in solidarity with all those who have been targeted in these attacks and who are now fearful and scared to leave their homes.

The Law Centre calls on the First and Deputy First Ministers to now urgently issue the Refugee Integration Strategy to shape a better future together for us all.