Chair of Congress Global Solidarity Committee Yvonne O'Callaghan has said, 'the death of George Floyd under the knee of a police officer in Minneapolis has reminded the world once again of the racism deeply embedded in US society. Such racism is further encouraged by the irresponsible actions of President Donald Trump and we condemn his attempts to portray the fight against racism and fascism as terrorism".
Global Solidarity Officer, David Joyce said "Unions have a key role to play in fighting inequality and state violence and we stand in solidarity with our trade union colleagues in the US Labour movement in their determination to address racism and discrimination, the impacts of which have been acutely exposed by the tragic and disproportionate impacts of the pandemic on people of colour and other groups.
The violence experienced by Black communities in the US is not unique. Black communities face growing inequality everywhere as a result of institutional racism in our workplaces and communities, including in Ireland through such systems as Direct Provision".
Yvonne O'Callaghan said "growing economic inequalities in the wake of the pandemic could well spark an increase in racism everywhere. We must all be alert to that threat and stand up to abuse and discrimination wherever it surfaces."
In fighting racism we must not only listen to but amplify and center the voices and experience of the people and their communities who are most impacted by these issues."
Only through unity and solidarity can we rid the world of the scourge of racism and build a better future".
Contact:Conor Kavanagh Congress Communications Office 0868116607
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