Launch of North West Anti-Racism Charter

The formal launch of the North West Anti-Racism Charter will take place in Derry's Guildhall.

The launch will take place on Tuesday, October 7. 

The North West Anti-Racism Charter was developed through a series of meetings and community consultation workshops convened by the Bloody Sunday Trust, the North West Migrants Forum, and the Irish Network Against Racism, with the final version authored by Dave Duggan.

The Charter is a statement of intent, providing a way for businesses, organisations, community groups, schools, and individuals to push back against the rise of racist messaging and actions in the region. It pledges supporters to: “...oppose all harm by words and actions on the basis of difference of race and colour...live together, love together, struggle together, thrive together...hold ourselves and others to account for racist words and actions...commit to policies and practices that oppose division by race and colour...promote these attitudes throughout our region in the north west of Ireland...say no to racism.”

Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Cllr Ruairí McHugh said he was hugely proud to support the launch of the North West Anti-Racism Charter.

He added: “The Charter is a powerful statement from the local community that we reject racism, xenophobia, and hate in all its forms. The people of Derry and Strabane have a long and proud history of standing together against division, and this Charter is a continuation of that legacy.

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"By endorsing it, we are sending a clear message that our city and district is a welcome place for everyone. It's a testament to the strength and unity of our community when organisations, schools, and individuals come together to
take a firm stand against intolerance."

Bloody Sunday Trust Director, Maeve McLaughlin, said: “With the rise of right-wing groups across this island it is getting more and more important that we stand against them, united and publicly, to remind them that the vast majority of people in Ireland reject their racist message and stand with the new communities that we welcome to our country.

"This charter gives everyone an easy way to show where they stand on this serious issue, and we urge community groups, businesses and statutory agencies across this region to get a copy and put it on display.”

"We are delighted with the success thus far and felt it only right to formally launch the Charter to coincide with the anniversary of the historic October 5th Civil Rights March and Black History Month".

Connor Sharkey of the North West Migrants Forum said: "Amidst the misinformation and disinformation epidemic we currently find ourselves in it is more important than ever that we send out a strong message that we as a city, district and region stand firmly against racism, Islamophobia, xenophobia and hate.

"By adopting this Charter, you are sending out that message – that hate speech, and divisive actions are not welcome and will not be tolerated in your school, office, home, business, community hall, place of worship or wherever you choose
to display it.”

Shane O’ Curry, Director of INAR (Irish Network Against Racism) said: “It's a privilege to be working with a wide cross-section of groups from across the North West who have all expressed such a strong desire to reject the politics of fear, suspicion , division and hate.

"People in the North West know only too well where the politics of division and hate lead to, and the leadership shown by people from all backgrounds in bringing people together to write a common statement is heartening and inspiring”

"The charter, which has already been adopted by 22 organisations, schools, and community groups across the region and was publicly endorsed this past May by former Mayor of Derry, Cllr Lilian Seenoi-Barr, and Cllr Terry Crossan, Leas Cathaoirleach Inishowen MD, will be formally launched on October 07, 2025, at the Guildhall, Derry, 11:00am-1:00pm".

The Event is supported by Urban Villages and the Mayor of Derry and Strabane Council, Cllr Ruairi Mc Hugh.

To secure your attendance at the launch please RSVP to: constance@bloodysundaytrust.org.