THE ROMANIAN families forced from their homes in a spate of racist attacks remain determined to leave Northern Ireland despite the political and public sympathy and support for them, according to Alliance Assembly member Anna Lo.
Two male juveniles are due to appear in court today charged in connection with the attacks which resulted in 115 Romanians seeking refuge in a city centre Belfast church last Tuesday night.
A 15-year-old and a 16-year-old are each charged with provocative conduct while the 15-year-old is also charged with intimidation.
Notwithstanding the arrests and an anti-racism rally in Belfast on Saturday on behalf of the 22 families, all of whom are members of the Roma community, they were still anxious to return to Romania, said Ms Lo yesterday.
“They have no jobs, no homes, no money. They feel they may as well go home,” said Ms Lo.
“Their families back home in Romania have heard all the media reports about what happened in Belfast and are frightened for them; they want them back home,” she added.
Ms Lo said there was still confusion over whether there was any statutory provision that would allow money to be provided to repatriate the families. Last week Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness said if money were required it would be found.
However, it is understood there is official concern about what precedents might be created if public money was provided to pay for the flights. “Belfast City Council is checking if they can find the money. If not it may be a matter for the churches or the voluntary organisations to get them home,” said Ms Lo.
Temporary accommodation was found for the families by Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie, although that is due to end on Wednesday. The Minister has indicated that they can stay longer if that is necessary.
Church representatives, trade unionists, politicians, members of Amnesty International and the Traveller community were among those who attended Saturday’s rally.
Barbara Muldoon of the Anti-Racism Network said that if any of the families wanted to stay the local community must stand shoulder to shoulder with them. There must also be a concerted effort to stop the racist attacks.
“There are no excuses, and no arguments that can justify what happened,” said Ms Muldoon.
“Immigrants are welcome here, they bring a wealth of culture to Northern Ireland and they bring their ability to contribute to our society. They are not separate from it but part of it,” she added.
