The chairperson of IMPIC, Shaykh Dr. Umar Al-Qadri today issued a statement urging Muslims living in the north of Ireland to vote in the upcoming Assembly Elections.
“I want today to share an important message for the Muslim and other ethnic minority communities living in the north of Ireland. Ireland is a beautiful place: a place we should be proud to call home. But it is not without its problems. Some – the cost-of-living, housing and healthcare – are shared problems that we all experience. Others – racism, hate crimes, discrimination at work, play and on the streets – are problems experienced exclusively by minority communities.
We are equal and valid citizens here in Ireland. We have a democratic and equal vote: something that was denied to women until just over a century ago, denied to some parts of the community in the north of Ireland until a few short decades ago. This right to vote is a blessing, and a responsibility. Staying at home is a vote for the status quo: for some in politics to turn a blind eye to racism and dog whistles. If we want to see positive, progressive, inclusive change in our societies, we have to stand up and be counted.
I am urging everyone, but especially the Muslim and ethnic minority communities in the north, to come out and vote in the Assembly Elections on the 5th May, to vote for change, for progress, for parties that stand against racism and discrimination in all their forms, parties who want to work together to build a better society for all of us, for parties that have demonstrated genuine, tangible solidarity with our communities in the past.
Ní neart go cúr le chéile – together we are stronger.”
Note: old entries on this website may refer to the Irish Muslim Peace & Integration Council (IMPIC). IMPIC rebranded as the Irish Muslim Council / Comhairle Mhoslamach na hÉireann in June 2022.