Discrimination against the Irish language community did not end with the signing of our peace
agreement; colonial legacies were not wiped clean by the signatures of politicians and heads of state
on an international agreement. We suspected this before and we know it to be true now.
For international law to be adhered to, and agreements honoured, constant vigilance from
communities like ours - and forums like yours - is necessary. This is the only way to ensure Irish
language speakers in the north of Ireland, and minorities across the world, can effectively challenge
hostility, sectarianism and marginalisation.
We therefore call on this Forum to:
● Support the immediate implementation of a comprehensive law and strategy on the Irish
language as a means to facilitate reconciliation and parity of esteem.
● Support a new commitment regarding the strategic development of the Irish Medium
Education sector
● Issue a press-release reflecting those resolutions and publicly support our community in our
ongoing efforts to secure language rights and recognition.