Report on the conference "Let's not talk about racism": Why it is hard to talk about and how this affects society in Northern Ireland

After the success of a symposium held in Belfast in June 2024 (Devine et al., 2024, p.6), a commitment to reconnect scholars, activists and community members, and those within civic and state bodies was upheld, by organising another opportunity to discuss ‘race’ and ethnicity research undertaken in Northern Ireland (NI). The period between the two events was marked by an increase in divisive and discriminatory rhetoric about migrants and ethnic minorities in Northern Ireland, with anti-migrant hate crimes and ‘riots’ brought to the public's attention in July and August 2024.

The conference titled ‘“Let’s not talk about racism”: Why it is hard to talk about and how this affects society in Northern Ireland’, was held on the 1st – 2nd April 2025. A concept note was circulated in December 2024, with an open call for submission of presentations. 20 people spoke formally at the event, in a conference-like format, with 3 leading a roundtable, and opportunities throughout the two days for the participation of attendees. 71 attendees came from a range of backgrounds with a shared interest of discussing the persistence of racism in NI.

This report outlines the highlights of points raised by those who participated in the multiple panels and discussions of each day; intersectionality as an underpinning lens used to explore racism in NI; and key takeaways to do with: Education, Government and Policy, Racial Fatigue and Collaboration. Continuing the practice of the 2024 conference, discussions made outside of referenced presentations were held under Chatham House Rule, and as such those are not attributed to an individual.

It includes three appendices. The call for contributions or concept note, the programme of the conference, and the abstracts of the presentations with the names, affiliations and Orcid IDs of the contributors.