Junior Minister praises young people for campaign to end interface violence in North Belfast

Junior Ministers Gerry Kelly and Robin Newton met with a group of young people at Stormont today to hear first hand of their campaign to end interface violence in North Belfast.

This is the fourth year that a group of young people from North Belfast have designed and distributed posters and leaflets designed to highlight the tragic reality of interface violence. Their message this year is “Stay safe this summer”

Both Ministers congratulated the young people for their creativity and hard work in bringing this important message to the community.

Mr Kelly said: “This very responsible message shows that there is an alternative to the dangerous and antisocial activities which can be all too prevalent at interfaces at this time of year. This campaign highlights the great range of fun activities available for the young people in North Belfast to get involved in. This initiative illustrates leadership on the part of the young people and it's important our politicians show leadership at this time. I also welcome the joint statement of support from the six North Belfast MLAs.

“We sincerely hope that everyone who sees these posters will take the message onboard and check out the range of summer activities available in their area.”

Mr Newton said: “Your media campaign will not only serve to highlight the consequences of interface violence but also, and more importantly, it will encourage young people in North Belfast to take advantage of the range of summer interface intervention programmes which is available to them.

"It does none of us any good to see violence between our young people on the streets – least of all the young people themselves. This campaign sends a very clear message and I believe it falls to the rest of society that each and every one of us must stand up and resist sectarianism and racism in all its forms.”

Notes to Editors:

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