Software NI, the trade body representing the software industry in Northern Ireland, has released a statement on the recent disruption in Belfast, in which it strongly condemns the "recent racially motivated disorder."
The statement follows a week of highly charged disorder across Belfast, with further protests planned for the city centre on Friday (9 August) evening.
The protests planned for the city centre come at the same time as a number of concerts taking place in the city and the usual end-of-week rush hour, leading many businesses to close their doors early.
The potential disruption has also led to Queen’s University Belfast taking the decision to close its campus.
Software NI stated: "Software NI, the trade body representing the software industry in Northern Ireland, strongly condemns the recent racially motivated disorder and attacks on businesses that has occurred in the region in recent days. This unacceptable behaviour is fuelled by racist and anti-immigrant sentiment which has no place in our society."
The statement continues: "The software industry in Northern Ireland attracts and employs a significant number of highly skilled and capable individuals from around the world. Their safety, and the safety of their families, is our top priority. We call on all involved to end the unrest and work towards a more inclusive and tolerant society.
"Northern Ireland's strength lies in its diversity. The software sector has benefited tremendously from the talent and contributions of employees from diverse backgrounds. This diversity is a key driver of innovation, economic growth and the region’s ability to attract inward investment."
The statement encourages representatives to stand up against the disorder and voices their inequivoval stance of solidarity with those impacted by the disorder. It concludes by calling for a restoration of calm: "We urge political and community leaders to denounce this unrest unequivocally and take steps to promote greater understanding between all people in Northern Ireland.
"The software industry remains committed to Northern Ireland and to building a vibrant, globally competitive technology hub.
"This can only be achieved in an environment of safety, stability and mutual respect. We stand in solidarity with all those impacted by this senseless violence and call for calm to be restored."
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