Mayor of the City and County of Limerick, Councillor Francis Foley, launched the Diversity is Strength campaign under the Limerick United Against Racism banner. Diversity is Strength invites everyone in Limerick to join on World Refugee Day, 20 June 2023, to help to talk about diversity and racism with your family, friends, colleagues or teammates.
The campaign is an initiative of the Limerick Migrant Integration Steering Group, which is a network of 19 statutory agencies, community and voluntary organisations and migrant representative and support groups. It includes a two week bus and billboard campaign from 19 June-2 July running in parallel with World Refugee Week.
Formally launching the campaign at City Hall, Mayor Foley said: “Diversity and migration are good for business, for innovation, for education and for society. The Diversity is Strength campaign draws attention to the benefits of diversity in Limerick. On a day when UNHCR reported there are more than 110 million forcibly displaced worldwide, we are conscious of our responsibility to welcome and support people fleeing persecution who arrive on our shores seeking safety and refuge. As Mayor, I endorse the campaign’s strong and unambiguous message of solidarity with people who have experienced racism in the region.”
In the most recent migrant integration strategy, Belonging to Limerick 2018-22, the priority themes are belonging and diversity advantage. Ms. Helen Fitzgerald, Chairperson, Limerick Migrant Integration Steering Group (MISG) said:
“This campaign sends a strong message of support to migrants and highlights the positive contribution diversity makes to the economic, social and cultural development of Limerick city and county. Unquestionably, Limerick’s growing diversity makes it stronger. The MISG is committed to creating a vibrant, inclusive and truly intercultural Limerick in which all residents belong and are valued equally, regardless of their colour, creed or culture.”
An online resource Limerick United Against Racism provides accessible information to understand better the benefits of diversity and learn about, respond to and talk about racism.
Mr Eugene Quinn, MISG Intercultural Awareness and Anti-Racism Subgroup Chair commented:
“Migration and diversity offer a huge opportunity for Limerick. The #DiversityIsStrength campaign focusses on the positive side of the balance sheet, migrants as investors, consumers, students, active citizens and net contributors to Limerick. Too often the narrative focuses on the challenges and costs of integration. Migrants, however, perceive themselves as assets, bringing innovation, language skills and new ways of thinking. We need to talk about the benefits of diversity and migration and how to respond appropriately to racism and misinformation.”
Seamus O’Connor, Local Community Development Committee (LCDC) Chief Officer said:
“It is important that everyone works in partnership to ensure that all migrants feel welcome in Limerick and know their positive contribution is recognised. Limerick City and County Council is delighted to be involved in this, and other initiatives to support all new communities living and visiting limerick."
The #DiversityIsStrengthLK campaign is an initiative of the Limerick Migrant Integration Steering Group (MISG) and delivers on one of the priority actions in the local migrant integration strategy, Belonging to Limerick 2018-22: Limerick City and County Integration Plan.
This campaign is funded by JRS Ireland, PAUL Partnership, Limerick CYPSC IPSS Fund and Limerick City and County Council and supported by INTEgreat project resources.
For more information and to get involved, follow #DiversityIsStrengthLK on social media and visit Limerick United Against Racism.
