IAUC Statement on Garvaghy Road

Once again, Irish people have been reminded that British justice is no justice. The High Court’s decision to allow the Orange Order to march through the nationalist neighborhood along Garvaghy Road in Drumcree is the most recent example of how the British legal system is stacked against Catholics, nationalists, and citizens who identify as Irish. The British Government has fallen in line with its prejudicial judiciary by failing to take any strong stand or action to stop the Orange Order from dragging Northern Ireland back to the dark days of the 1990s and the 1690s.

This parade is particularly unwelcome, as it historically has instigated loyalist violence and murders. For that reason, this matter was settled over 28 years ago after many deaths including the murder of three young boys. The British Government must recognize that the Orange Order’s desire to “celebrate” their culture cannot occur where it is perceived by the community as disrespect at best and triumphalism at worst.

Would this country allow the 7th Cavalry to parade through the Wounded Knee Indian Reservation? Would Germany allow Nazis to parade past Auschwitz? Would India allow the British Army to parade around Amritsar in full regalia? No civilized country should put up with such provocative, triumphalist displays of intimidation.

This is not simply about the safety of residents. The people who live on Garvaghy Road are entitled to the quiet enjoyment of their homes without bigots marching in front of them. Only by dissolving the disgraced Parades Commission can the communities hope to move forward again. The Irish American Unity Conference calls on the remaining Commissioners to step down now. If they do not have the integrity to do so, we demand that SOSNI Chris Bryant remove them without further delay. We also expect much more leadership from Prime Minister Burnham to assure the Garvaghy Road residents that his government will respect them and not tolerate any more Orange Order foolishness. Simply urging both sides to stay calm and be reasonable in the current situation is meaningless.