Protest calls for end to ‘racist’ border policy

A PROTEST at Lifford Bridge outside Strabane called for an end to the ‘discriminatory border that exists for many minority ethnic people’.

More than 100 people took part in the event last Saturday afternoon.

SDLP councillor Lilian Seenoi-Barr, director of the North West Migrants Forum, said the protest was held ahead of the ‘International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination’ which fell on Monday

Speaking to the Strabane Chronicle, the Derry City & Strabane councillor stated, “Refugees, asylum seekers and many other migrants are excluded from free movement across the border to access healthcare, work, or to visit friends and family.

“This invisible racist border on the island of Ireland has a profoundly negative impact on black and ethnic minority communities resident in Ireland.

“While the border might be invisible for many, current Common Travel Area (CTA) regulations create a very hard border for some”.

Expressing ‘delight’ with the attendance at the protest, she added, “It was a good turnout as there were so many other activities going on in the district at that time.

“We have also received a lot of support online as well as in person.

“We launched the campaign because the CTA excludes many residents in the North and in the Republic from travelling across the border. They cannot access services such as healthcare and education exchange programmes and sports.

“This is particularly true for people from Africa, Asia and South America who can legally work in one part of Ireland but cannot travel to another part.

Calling for reform to the CTA, Cllr Seenoi-Barr said the border checks are “humiliating for people who do not meet the physical description.”