People in Kildare asked to wear red this Friday as part of anti-racism initiative

The Immigrant Council of Ireland (ICI) is calling on schools, businesses and community groups in Kildare to join their anti-racism initiative this week.

It follows the revelation from last week that the number of racist related incidents reported to the iReport website (which is operated by the Irish Network Against Racism) last year reached 600, compared to 404 in 2021.

As part of Wear Red Day, which takes place on Friday, March 31, people are being encouraged to wear red and make a donation to the charity.

Commenting ahead of the event, Valeria Aquino, Integration Manager at the ICI, said: "Wear Red Day is an important opportunity for schools, businesses and community groups alike to send out a strong message that we as communities welcome diversity, celebrate it, and take a stand against racism in all forms.

“With racist incidents on the rise, it is vital that we provide people with the tools and knowledge they need to properly deal with racism.

"Wear Red Day is a great opportunity for schools and workplaces to start the conversation on racism and discrimination.

Ms Aquino continued: "As well as wearing red, we’re also encouraging people to run activities throughout the day – everything from five-aside competitions, to bake sales – all to help boost donations.

"We hope the people of Kildare get behind this initiative and show their support on Friday!"

All the funds raised through Wear Red Day will be used by the ICI to continue their work on tackling racism in Ireland.

The ICI is also is encouraging participants to share their Wear Red Day activities on social media using the hashtag #WRD23.

Wear Red Day is part of the Show Racism the Red Card anti-racism programme, which is also operated in Ireland by the ICI.

The programme provides educational resources, workshops, trainings and awareness-raising activities for primary and secondary schools, youth groups, workplaces and sporting stakeholders nationwide. 

Further information on Wear Red Day is available here.

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BACKGROUND

The ICI is the leading national human rights organisation working to defend migrant rights in Ireland.

It provides free immigration advice and legal support through its helpline and law centre, as well as campaigning for immigration reform.

The ICI also provides support to victims of racism and human trafficking, and provides opportunities for migrants to connect with each other and their communities.

Visit www.immigrantcouncil.ie for more information. 

The Immigrant Council’s Anti-Racism Support service is available online at www.immigrantcouncil.ie/reportracism.