Nurse leaders have condemned “blatant acts of racism thuggery” that have taken place on the streets in Northern Ireland over last week.
The chief nursing officer and unions leaders in the country have reiterated that internationally educated nurses must be made to feel safe and welcome in the Health and Social Care (HSC) service.
“The appalling and violent scenes of recent days are nothing short of shameful”
Statement from Northern Ireland’s chief professional officers
It follows consecutive nights of violence on the streets of Northern Ireland that began last Monday (9 June).
So far, 24 people have been arrested and 64 police officers have been injured.
Protests began in Ballymena, a town northwest of Belfast, when two Romanian 14-year-old boys were arrested on suspicion of sexually assaulting a teenage girl.
What began as a peaceful protest soon descended into violence after several masked individuals began attacking private properties housing immigrants.
Out of fear, some residents placed UK flags in their windows or signs that said “locals live here” to avoid being targeted.
Larne Leisure Centre was among the buildings that were attacked and set on fire. The centre had been providing emergency shelter for families fleeing violence in Ballymena.
Police officers were also attacked with smoke bombs, fireworks, bottles and bricks.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) described the violence as “racist thuggery”.
In a statement published yesterday (15 June), the PSNI said disorder had finally reduced, but that there were still sporadic disturbances in different locations.
Assistant chief constable Melanie Jones said: “Our heightened presence in our local communities and continued community engagement to de-escalate violence continued last night, but thankfully, the situation was much calmer than we have seen in recent days.”
Ms Jones said 24 arrests had been made so far, 14 of which had resulted in individuals being charged.
She praised the “bravery and determination” of the police force, noting that 64 officers had been injured in the riots.
She added: “I would also like to reassure the communities that we serve that we will continue to maintain our presence and protect streets.
“We are grateful for the support of all who condemn this criminality and would, once more, repeat our appeal for calm across Northern Ireland in the coming days.”
A statement published by the Department of Health in Northern Ireland’s chief professional officers, including chief nursing officer Professor Maria McIlgorm, condemned the racist violence.
The statement said: “The appalling and violent scenes of recent days are nothing short of shameful.
“That people should be targeted and threatened simply because of their ethnicity, skin colour or cultural background is utterly despicable.
“That they should be intimidated out of their own homes is vile. Everyone deserves to be treated with respect and to live in a safe environment free from harm and intimidation.”
The leaders said there would be many international workers within the HSC “who will be distressed by what has unfolded”.
They noted that it followed similar race riots held last summer across England and Northern Ireland, which resulted in Filipino nurses being attacked on their way to work.
Addressing international health staff, the statement said: “We know that, less than a year after similar scenes on our streets last summer, you are once again left feeling frightened and anxious.
“But please know this: you are welcome, you are deeply valued, and you have our full support. We are the better for your presence here.”
The statement added that it was important for HSC colleagues to “provide comfort and support” to all health workers who had come to work in the country from overseas.
It said: “The hugely valuable contribution that our diverse internationally educated and recruited colleagues and friends make to our health and social care service is very well recognised.
“They go out to work each and every day, serving our communities with professionalism, dignity, kindness and compassion.
“We stand with them and condemn, in the strongest possible terms, these blatant acts of racist thuggery.”
Professor Rita Devlin, executive director of the Royal College of Nursing in Northern Ireland, also warned that the attacks would have “a detrimental impact” upon many internationally educated nurses working in the country.
She told Nursing Times that employers had a duty of care to protect their staff and that health leaders must “implement any measures necessary to keep workers safe”.
She added: “Any sort of abuse, including racism, is completely unacceptable and must be called out.
“Whether in their first months working here, or after decades working in our health and social care services, our international colleagues are welcome, valued and owed a debt of gratitude.
“We must ensure they feel safe and valued, not just in healthcare environments, but throughout every aspect of society in Northern Ireland.”
This was echoed by John-Patrick Clayton, policy officer at Unison in Northern Ireland.
He told Nursing Times: “We know that many health and social care workers and their families will be feeling fearful at this time, particularly given that similar incidents have occurred within the last 12 months. Unison is there for our members to offer support and advice.”
Mr Clayton welcomed the statements issued by the national professional officers.
He added: “Unison has and will continue to work with the Department of Health and employers so that all migrants and those from minority ethnic backgrounds working across health and social care feel safe and supported.
“The immense contribution that these workers make every day to the delivery of essential services must be fully recognised.
“We need to see a clear strategy from all executive departments and public bodies working together to tackle racism and discrimination. This must happen without delay.”
