Banish intolerance and violence

For immediate use: 9 March 2005

Banish intolerance and violence

Voluntary and community groups in Northern Ireland have been urged to declare openly their opposition to sectarianism, racism and all other forms of intolerance and violence.

Chief Executive of the Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action, Seamus McAleavey, has written to NICVA’s 1,000 member organisations urging them to accept the challenge by signing a declaration as part of the One Small Step Campaign.

“We are asking them to state their commitment to a civil society in which all individuals are considered as equals, where differences are resolved through dialogue and where all citizens are treated impartially .

“To that end, we want them to oppose sectarianism, racism and all other manifestations of intolerance and violence ,” he said.

The initiative comes during Community Relations Week and recognises that all parts of society, not just government, political parties and paramilitaries, have a role to play in breaking down barriers and building peace.

“This challenge ensures that we as individuals or organisations will not use sectarianism or racism in any way to promote our cause or activities ,” Mr McAleavey added.

Groups are asked to return the signed declaration to NICVA by 15 April 2005.

One Small Step Challenge(488Kb)

For more information please contact Paul McGill at NICVA, 028 9087 7777; 0772 1746 805.