There have been calls for calm after it emerged that an anti-racism protest will take place in Belfast city centre on Friday at the same time as a far-right demonstration.
The timing and location of the protests has the potential to cause a security headache for the PSNI, which has already faced criticism over its handling of last weekend’s protests.
Far-right demonstrations are due to take place at several locations across the north on Friday, including Belfast and Derry.
Race-hate violence erupted in parts of Belfast last weekend after hundreds of people gathered for similar demonstrations.
A rampaging mob targeted businesses run by members of the ethnic minority community in the south of the city as violence spread through loyalist districts.
Far-right protesters are again set to gather at city hall on Friday at 5pm.
A counter protest jointly organised by Unite Against Racism and Northern Ireland Public Service Alliance (Nipsa) will also take place at the same time and location.
Branded as a ‘anti-racists counter protest’ those attending are urged to “take a stand against racism, fascism and Islamophobia by attending this peaceful counter-protest”.
NIPSA deputy general secretary Patrick Mulholland has urged people to unite.
“The violence in recent days is reprehensible and causing real concerns - not only for those directly affected but also within our healthcare system where vital workers across all roles are reconsidering their employment,” he said.
“We must stand together against racism and support workers regardless of their skin colour, religion or ethnic origin.”
There have been calls for calm ahead of the opposing protests on Friday.
Belfast SDLP councillor Carl Whyte urged protesters to remain calm.
“Nobody wants to see a repeat of the dreadful scenes in our city over the past few days where businesses have been attacked and destroyed and people left living in fear, unsure of whether it’s safe to even leave their homes,” he said.
“We cannot allow far-right groups to come onto our streets and cause disorder, spreading hate speech and giving Nazi salutes. The only demonstration we should see this weekend is one focused on anti-racism to send a clear message that we will not tolerate this kind of activity in Belfast, the north or anywhere on this island.
“People must remain calm and racists determined to cause violence and mayhem must face a swift response from police and immediate prosecution. That will stop anyone else engaging in the thuggery that has brought shame on our city.”
It is understood that discussions are also taking place in trade union circles over the possibility of workplace walkouts in solidarity with those being targeted.
Meanwhile, the Irish Congress of Trade Unions is organising a “stand against racism stand in hope” rally at Stormont on Thursday morning.
The protest comes as the assembly was recalled from summer recess in response to racist attacks carried out earlier this week.
ICTU assistant secretary, Gerry Murphy, said the “trade union movement stands in solidarity with all workers and their friends and families who have been attacked or feel threatened by these racist attacks”.
“We demand an immediate end to this mindless thuggery,” he said.
Gordon Milligan, chair of the Labour Relations Agency, said the CBI, NI Chamber of Commerce, Federation of Small Businesses, Institute of Directors, and Manufacturing NI “condemn the racist attacks and civil unrest that has been taking place in Belfast”.
The Presbyterian Church has also condemned the attacks this week.
Rev Trevor Gribben, Clerk of the General Assembly and General Secretary, also called for protesters to rethink their tactics.
“As tensions run high, I would appeal to everyone, those who are planning further street protests and those encouraging direct counter protests, to think again,” he said.
Campaign group United Against Racism Belfast has also organised a ‘Belfast Welcomes Diversity Demo’, which will assemble at Writer’s Square in Belfast at noon on Saturday.
Meanwhile, a far-right protest will also be held at Dales Corner, in the Limavady Road area of Derry on Friday evening.
A Sinn Féin delegation met with police in the city on Wednesday.
Councillor Sandra Duffy later said: “We will continue to monitor developments over the coming days and to work with all in an effort to prevent any violence or intimidation and to reiterate our solidarity, support and respect for our ethnic minority communities.”
Meanwhile, hundreds of people attended an anti-racism rally in Derry on Wednesday evening.
Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Lilian Seenoi Barr was among the speakers at the Unity Against Division - Community Rally for Solidarity, which was held at Guildhall Square.
