Northern Ireland remains a deeply divided society with growing support for peace walls and segregated housing, a new report into sectarianism has revealed.
The review, conducted by academics at Ulster University, found the Protestant majority is “steadily being eroded”, leading to a mounting sense of uncertainty in the community.
And an increasing sense of confidence among Catholics is leading to the “growing polarisation” of society and a shift to the “DUP/Sinn Fein axis”.
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Calling for intervention from civic society as well as politicians, the authors made more than 50 recommendations to help end the divide.
Ronnie Kells from the Quigley Fund committee – which commissioned the report – said: “Regrettably sectarianism still lingers at the heart of our society and acts as a barrier to prosperity and as an insult to a civilised community.
“This scourge of several generations will persist unless resolute and sustained action is taken to address it. Everyone has a role to play in addressing this problem – it is not the sole responsibility of Government or the political parties.”
Among its recommendations, the report said a new Government department should be created to specifically deal with tackling sectarianism and proposed establishing a new civic body to help shape community efforts toward reconciliation.
It also suggests setting up a fund to enable businesses to sponsor cross-community projects as well as the creation of a Youth Assembly.
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The report, to be outlined at a special conference in Belfast today, also calls for a commitment from Northern Ireland’s churches to take part in anti-sectarian projects.
Senator George Mitchell, who brokered the talks that led to the Good Friday Agreement in 1998, will give a keynote address at the conference. Comedian Patrick Kielty, whose father was murdered during the Troubles, will also speak at the event.
Report author Professor Morrow said the murder of journalist Lyra McKee in Derry highlights the need to act.
He said: “The deeply tragic events of recent weeks sharpen the focus on just how dangerously close we remain to this residual threat.
“The young people taking part reflect the hope and optimism we all hold for Northern Ireland but we have a duty of care and leadership to ensure the expectation, aspiration and potential of the next and future generations is met and not stifled by sectarian polarisation.”
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