URGENT UPDATE: The home of a Sudanese family in Derry’s Fountain Estate was vandalized overnight with graffiti reading “locals only” and ominous crosshairs, prompting widespread outrage from community leaders and human rights advocates. The North West Migrants Forum (NWMF) condemned the act as an “abhorrent” attack on a family that has sought refuge from the devastating civil war ravaging their homeland.
The NWMF revealed that this family—a mother, father, and their two children—has been actively involved in local volunteer efforts and was recently relocated to this new property. The attack has left them distressed and further concerned for their safety in a place they believed would provide sanctuary.
A spokesperson for the NWMF stated, “We are disgusted that the home of a Sudanese family was targeted overnight. They are well respected within the Fountain community and have contributed significantly to local initiatives.” This incident highlights the growing tensions immigrants face, even in communities that are expected to be safe havens.
The family’s plight is compounded by the ongoing crisis in Sudan, where civil war erupted in April 2023. The conflict, fueled by a power struggle between the army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), has led to horrific humanitarian conditions, with over 150,000 deaths and around 12 million displaced according to the United Nations. Rights group Amnesty International has accused RSF fighters of committing war crimes, particularly in the western Darfur region, where famine and genocide claims are rampant.
In response to the vandalism, the local community is being urged to rally behind the family. “We will stand with the family in the days and weeks ahead and we encourage others to do the same,” the NWMF spokesperson urged, calling on politicians to publicly denounce the actions against the family.
As the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) investigates the incident, community leaders are calling for immediate action to ensure the safety and support of vulnerable families like this one. The emotional toll of such an attack cannot be underestimated, especially for those who have already endured so much trauma to escape violence and persecution.
This developing story underscores the urgent need for solidarity and support for refugees and immigrants in our communities. As this family seeks to rebuild their lives, continued advocacy and public condemnation of hate crimes remain crucial. Stay tuned for updates as authorities investigate this alarming incident.
