Opinion
06 Aug 24

Solidarity rallies and fundraising organised in response to Belfast far-right riots

Anti-racism mural in Belfast

Several organisations have come together to raise funds for those affected by the recent anti-immigration violence in Belfast

United Against Racism Belfast (UARB) have announced a rally next Saturday as a response to last weekend’s far-right violence.

The rallies are being set up by a coalition of organisations, consisting of UARB, End Deportations Belfast and Rainbow Refugees, and will be held in Writer’s Square at 12pm.

The rallies were described were announced on UARB's social media as a "call on the people of Belfast to come together to take a stand against racism, Islamophobia and division."

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A post shared by United Against Racism Belfast (@uarbelfast)

The organisations had been present at the counter protest outside Belfast City Hall, where an anti-immigration rally was being held by far-right protesters on Saturday.

The rally devolved into a riot, which saw local businesses damaged by fire, as well as a number of cars burnt out by anti-immigration and anti-Islamist rioters.

In a joint statement on their Instagram, the coalition of anti-racist movements said it was “time for collective action, collective planning, and collaborative support.”

“We urge everyone to put aside small political squabbles, and rally around an anti-racist, and anti-fascist umbrella”, they said.

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A post shared by United Against Racism Belfast (@uarbelfast)

The coalition has also spearheaded the ‘Build Solidarity’ fundraising campaign, which aims to support businesses and individuals affected by the violence. So far, over £20,000 has been raised.

Gardaí are working in conjunction with the PSNI after it was revealed several prominent far-right agitators from the Republic had travelled to Belfast for the rally, with a banner reading ‘Coolock says no’ being displayed.

The banner refers to recent protesting in Coolock against the housing of asylum seekers in the area, which also descended into rioting.

One of the agitators (Who is currently on bail in the Republic) has previously faced criminal charges for involvement at other anti-migrant events and allegedly assaulting Gardaí.