A special vigil has been held at Newry’s Daisy Hill Hospital in solidarity with healthcare workers in response to the targeting of some healthcare staff in recent weeks.
The vigil was organised by Unison and supported by United Against Racism, Muslim Association of Newry, Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign (Newry branch), Newry LGBTQ+ Women’s Group and community groups.
Theatre Nurse at Daisy Hill, Deirdre Murphy, a co-organiser of the vigil, said: “We have many international healthcare workers at Daisy Hill who no longer feel safe or welcome here.
“Some have been the victims of racist attacks over the last weeks. We are calling on the people of Newry and the wider area to show solidarity with them and to demonstrate that racism has no place in our community or on our streets.
“We are asking all trade unions and community groups to join us to stand up to racism.”
Internationally renowned folk singer and peace activist Tommy Sands performed at the event.
On Saturday another rally was held in Coleraine bringing a united front against hatred and discrimination following the recent racist attacks and violent scenes across the north.
Rally organiser, George McElhinney said: “We are mobilising a coalition of trade unions, community groups and political organisations to show a united front against hatred and discrimination and showing that racist violence will never be welcome in this town.”
