Limerick Migrant Integration Forum launched on International Anti-Racism Day

Limerick Migrant Integration Forum pictured above with Cllr Gerald Mitchell, Mayor of Limerick with Council Staff members and Executive Committee members. Picture: Keith Wiseman

Limerick Migrant Integration Forum was established by Limerick Council as part of the EU INTEgreat Project in partnership with Doras

International Anti-Racism Day (March 21, 2024) was marked at an event in Limerick in which the Mayor of the City and County of Limerick, Councillor Gerald Mitchell, officially launched the Limerick Migrant Integration Forum.

Limerick Migrant Integration Forum was established by Limerick City and County Council (LCCC) as part of the EU INTEgreat Project in partnership with Doras. The Forum aims to empower migrant communities in Limerick to collaborate, network to promote social inclusion, integration and active participation in key decision-making bodies and networks in the region. The Forum boasts over 40 members from over 20 diverse backgrounds, each contributing to the rich cultural tapestry of Limerick.

Speaking at the event, Mayor of the City and County of Limerick, Cllr Gerald Mitchell says the Forum has wasted no time in getting to work: “I had the privilege of chairing the Inaugural meeting of the Limerick Migrant Integration Forum in November 2023 and it has already shown its value. The Forum has been extremely active and to the fore of many great initiatives including the organisation of Africa Day and supporting the Ukrainian community. It is exciting to consider the possibilities for the future as this Forum empowers and supports Limerick’s many diverse cultures.”

On the occasion of International Anti-Racism Day, Ms. Kate Njoku, Chair of Limerick Migrant Integration Forum said: “This forum stands as a voice and representation for all migrants within our communities. Racism has been proven to have damaging consequences for migrants who already may have found themselves in extremely difficult and harsh living conditions, especially women and children. Today we join other global communities to advocate for the total eradication of racial discrimination in all of its form.”

Congratulations to Limerick Migrant Forum for winning Best Community Award in this years St Patrick’s Day Parade. Limerick City & County Council is proud to support you.#INTEgreat #DiversityIsStrength@Unibo@BallafonOnlus@OCC_Project@DorasIRL
@socialhackersacademy pic.twitter.com/ITAR9Istws— Limerick Council – Comhairle Luimnigh (@LimerickCouncil) March 19, 2024

This event and launch is being run as part of the ongoing Limerick United Against Racism (LUAR) campaign.  The campaign is an initiative of the Migrant Integration Steering Group, which is a network of 19 statutory agencies, community and voluntary organisations and migrant representatives and support groups. It is coordinated by the Intercultural Awareness and Anti-Racism Subgroup, whose chair Mr Eugene Quinn, acknowledged the important role of the Migrant Forum in informing policy and promoting integration across the region, saying, “It is fitting to be celebrating the launch of Limerick’s Migrant Integration Forum on International Anti-Racism Day. The Limerick United Against Racism campaign aims to ensure there is zero tolerance in Limerick for racism in all forms. The campaign sends a strong message of support to migrants and migrant communities highlighting the positive contribution diversity makes to the economic, social and cultural development of Limerick city and county. The Migrant Forum embodies the key campaign message, #DIVERSITY = STRENGTH.  We look forward to the Forum being a key voice for migrants in the region informing and  promoting integration, inclusion and positive change.”

Although only recently formed, the Migrant Integration Forum is already active in promoting integration in the region. The Forum actively stood in solidarity with the Ukrainian community at a recent event to mark the 2^nd anniversary of the Russian invasion. It participated in the recent St. Patrick’s Day parade, winning Best Community Award. Finally, the Limerick Migrant Integration Forum will be a main organiser of Africa Day with support from Doras & Limerick City and County Council.

Many organisations attended the launch event to show their support for the Limerick Migrant Integration Forum. These included the Migrant Integration Steering Group & Health & Wellbeing Sub-group, Public Participation Network (PPN), Doras, Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS), Tusla, Northside Family Resource Centre, Limerick Youth Centre (LYC), Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board (LCETB), Ballyhoura Development, Paul Partnership, West Limerick Resources, Midwest Migrant Community Network, Limerick Sports Partnership, Sanctuary Runners and An Garda Siochana.

For more information and to get involved, follow #DiversityIsStrengthLK on social media and visit Limerick United Against Racism, where you can find accessible information to better understand the benefits of diversity and learn about, respond to and talk about racism.

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