Hundreds gather for anti-racism rally

Organisers said the march was to show solidarity with ethnic minorities

Hundreds of protesters have gathered in Belfast city centre for a demonstration against racism.

The Belfast For All Rally has been co-organised by a collective of organisations, including the Belfast Islamic Centre, Amnesty International and the trade union, Nipsa.

Organisers said the march was to show solidarity with ethnic minorities who experience racism on a daily basis.

Saturday's march coincides with a march in London organised by Stand Up to Racism.

Northern Ireland has seen disorder and a spate of racist attacks over the last number of months.

In August, a number of businesses were targeted and attacked after an anti-immigration protest in Belfast.

Data released later that month by the Police Service of Northern Ireland showed the number of reported racially-motivated incidents was at an all-time high.

Ivanka Antova took part in the rally on Saturday

The Belfast for All march began at Writer's Square in the city's Cathedral Quarter at midday, and ended at Belfast City Hall.

Ivanka Antova, member of United Against Racism Belfast, said it was important for the people to come together to show solidarity.

"The attacks have disappeared from the headlines, but that doesn't mean attacks on individuals have stopped," she said.

"It's important for the diverse community of Belfast to come together, united against racism, to demand that we all live our life free from fear, intimidation, harassment and bullying."

Belfast Lord Mayor Micky Murray said Belfast was a "diverse, welcoming city".

"We need to get that message across that we are a city that refugees and asylum seekers, and anyone from across the world, can feel safe and build a home here," he added.

The march left Writer's Square at noon

South Belfast assembly member Deirdre Hargey said there was still "more that can be done" when it comes to addressing racism.

"The incidents over the past few months have shown that we just can't sit and think that everything is ok," she said.

"We all need to read up on our references to ensure we are doing anti-racism training, that we are looking at education within schools, but also within family homes, within communities and looking at those structures within society."