A spokesman, on behalf of CRC, mentioned that this is the biggest week in the community relations calendar and that over 70 events will be held across Northern Ireland on the theme, “Towards a shared future.”

    The programme for WOW’s forthcoming evening, “A glimpse of Asia,” features music, dance, song, arts and crafts, food, and costumes. There will be information on a number of countries, while the guest speaker, Dr. Michael Brown will give an account of his experiences in Nepal. Arrangements are also being made for a demonstration of origami, the art of paper folding, which will be a side attraction. WOW’s members will also set up an information display which will run at Enniskillen Library from April 2 to 17.

    Other activities in Fermanagh during Community Relations Week include an event, presented by Fermanagh Trust, at the Aisling Centre, Enniskillen, on April 5. It is called ‘Anti-Sectarianism: What your Community needs to Know!’ and is aimed at raising awareness and best practice within community organisations in Fermanagh with respect to the implementation of anti-sectarian policy and practice.

    In addition, Dooneen Community Association will stage Political Debate: ‘From Conflict to Community’ at Dooneen Community Education Centre on April 8. A spokesman said it is “a debate on the rights and responsibilities of the citizen which will include a panel of politicians and a facilitator.”

    CRC Chief Executive, Duncan Morrow, speaking prior to the programme of events’ launch, says that with an increasingly more diverse society in Northern Ireland it is important that working towards a shared future involves addressing ethnic and racial issues as well as the traditional tensions between unionists and nationalists.

    “Community Relations Week is the biggest date in the community relations calendar and this year takes on another dimension with recent racial tensions,” commented Mr. Morrow.

    He continued: “Northern Ireland has become an increasingly more diverse society, which is to be welcomed, but this has of course created some new tensions.”

    “We are continually working towards a more peaceful, inclusive society, which generally means working to build trust between unionists and nationalists, but this year we want to emphasise that good community relations means good relations within the whole community,” added Mr. Morrow.

    Meanwhile, Equality Minister, Rt Hon John Spellar, MP, this week announced that 21 minority ethnic voluntary organisations would share £0.5m funding to help improve community relations.

    The funding will help voluntary and community groups improve relations between different ethnic groups, and with other communities.