11/06/2026
Youth Work Alliance is appalled by the recent horrific attack in North Belfast. We utterly condemn this brutal and unjustified violence, which has no place in our society.
Furthermore, we strongly condemn the unacceptable unrest and disorder unfolding on our streets tonight. We are issuing an urgent and clear appeal for calm. Resorting to violence and destroying our own communities serves absolutely no purpose; it only inflicts further trauma, fear and hardship on our families and neighbours.
The vehicles being targeted and destroyed tonight belong to people who work hard to earn a living, support their families and keep our communities moving. These cars and vans provide vital transport that residents rely on every single day for their livelihoods, medical appointments and daily routines. Burning cars and destroying property does not protect anyone, it directly harms working people and cripples the infrastructure our neighbourhoods depend on.
We are deeply disturbed by the deliberate weaponisation of recent tragedies by those seeking to advance racist agendas and incite hatred against people of colour. Exploiting tension to sow division is a calculated tactic that endangers everyone, particularly our children and young people. When chaos and fear are allowed to take root on our streets, vulnerable young people become prime targets for manipulation and can be easily drawn into cycles of hostility and extremism.
Northern Ireland’s growing diversity is a profound strength, not a threat. The variety of cultures, perspectives and skills enriching our society are vital to our collective future and we must fiercely protect all communities that call this place home.
As the regional support and headquarter body for community based youth work, Youth Work Alliance is resolute in our commitment to rights-based youth work. We stand firmly behind the frontline youth workers who aim to navigate these complex challenges and work to de-escalate tensions with Young people.
Through trauma-informed and relational methodologies, our sector works daily to dismantle prejudice, build empathy, and equip young people with the critical thinking needed to reject hateful narratives and destructive behaviour.
We cannot allow our young people to be used as pawns by those who wish to divide us, nor can we stand by as their futures and communities are jeopardised by street violence. Now is the time to step back, restore calm and robustly support the youth services that provide safe, inclusive and empowering spaces for all young people to thrive.
We stand united against violence, racism, and intimidation in all its forms.
John Lynch
Chief Executive Officer, Youth Work Alliance
