Thousands attend national solidarity protest while also calling for Gaza ceasefire
People during the Stand Together solidarity march in Dublin. The demonstration is taking place to show support for diversity and equality and denounce racism, hate and war. Picture date: Saturday March 2, 2024. Photo: Niall Carson.
Photo: Niall carson
Thousands of people are marching in Dublin this afternoon calling for a ceasefire in the war in Gaza while also opposing “racism, hate, and division” at home in Ireland.
Representatives of Stand Together, a coalition of national and local organisations that support diversity & equality and denounce racism, hate & war, organised the national solidarity march and rally
The protest assembled in Parnell Square, Dublin 1, for a 1.30pm start and proceeded through the city centre to Merrion Square South, where a rally with music and speeches is underway.
Ailbhe Smyth of LeChéile – one of the organising groups, said, “The rise of far-right extremist groups in Ireland is deeply disturbing. These dangerous, violent forces seek to spread virulent racism, misogyny, homo and transphobia and to attack the rights and freedoms we have fought for so hard over many decades. We must not allow them to sow hatred and division among us, to threaten individuals and communities, or to destroy the bonds of solidarity that connect us in our struggles.
“We must not let that happen. We will not let that happen. We must stand together in solidarity against these attacks on equality and community”.
Photo: Niall carson
Dr Umar Al-Qadri, chairperson of the Irish Muslim Peace & Integration Council, who was himself attacked in an alleged hate crime in recent weeks, said, “Ireland is renowned for its warm hospitality and compassion but is currently facing challenges relating to housing and healthcare. While some are attempting to exploit the frustration among the Irish population by targeting migrants and refugees, the Irish people are standing firm against racism.
"They refuse to let migrants be used as scapegoats for the failures of government policies, demonstrating a strong stance against discrimination”.
Conor Tormey, ROSA & Trans Pride activist, said, “The far-right have been attacking LGBTQ+ progress, and none of our hard-won rights are safe. Everything that involves LGBTQ+ people is a target for right-wing mobs - from school inclusion to healthcare to trans young people. Ireland is no exception to the international growth of the right-wing, and any notion that the far-right can't gain a foothold in Ireland is completely shattered.
“Now more than ever before, we need a movement with solidarity at its heart to defeat the far-right and fight for housing, healthcare, and real liberation for all.”
Over 130 national and local organisations are backing the event
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