Racial discrimination and its effects on Irish society are being discussed at a youth event in Dublin today.
'Be Heard: Ending Racial Discrimination in Ireland’ is hearing from 120 young people aged between 16 and 24 from different ethnic backgrounds.
The views gathered will be used as part of a report sent to the UN in November concerning Ireland's record regarding racial discrimination.
Today's event is being organised by the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (IHREC) and the National Youth Council of Ireland (NYCI).
The IHREC's Chief Commissioner Emily Logan said that while instances of racial discrimination here are small compared to some countries, it still has a big impact.
She explained: "It's really important that we're not complacent.
"Our experience in the [commission] is that of the cases of discrimination that we deal with... racial discrimination is one of the top three issues that we deal with.
"That's in the context of employment, or in the context of goods and services for people living in Ireland."
Ms Logan added: "For some people who carry or hold prejudicial views, most times they're people who've never been exposed to people from outside their own communities.
"[It's about] interacting with, living with, immersing - whether it's children educated together in school, or young people in communities that are intercultural and understanding. It's about living together in communities respectfully."
Farah El Neihum, a young person attending today's event, said these kind of conversations are vital for anyone from a minority ethnic group who has experience a type of 'otherness'.
He noted: "The voice of young people is vital for change to happen and for our country to be more progressive, educated and compassionate.
"We are also sharing the power this way, and putting it in the hands of future generations, which is really exciting.”
