IWA‑GB Condemns Racist Attack on Indian Girl in Ireland

Waterford, Ireland: The Indian Workers’ Association – Great Britain (IWA‑GB) has strongly condemned a recent racist attack on a six- year-old girl of Malayali origin in Waterford City, Ireland. The girl, Nia Naveen, was allegedly assaulted and subjected to racial abuse by a group of older children outside her home in the Kilbarry area, raising serious concerns over the safety of immigrant families in the region.

According to reports, the group, which included boys aged between 12 and 14 and a girl around eight, physically attacked the child and hurled racist slurs at her, including “dirty Indian” and “go back to India.” The child was reportedly punched in the face, her hair pulled, and a bicycle was pushed against her groin.

Nia’s mother, Anupa Achuthan, a nurse originally from Kerala, has lived in Ireland for eight years and recently obtained Irish citizenship.

Speaking to the Irish Mirror, Anupa described the trauma her daughter experienced, saying, “She was very upset, crying, and scared. I feel so sad for her, I couldn’t protect her. I never expected such an incident to happen here.”

The incident occurred on Monday evening while Nia was playing near their home. Anupa was momentarily inside feeding her 10- month- old son when her daughter came running in, shaken and in tears. Anupa added that Nia has since been afraid to go outside, and the family no longer feels safe in what was once a welcoming neighbourhood.

The Indian Workers’ Association – Great Britain called the incident “appalling” and said it reflected the “persistent undercurrents of racism that immigrant families, continue to face across Europe.” In a statement, the IWA‑GB said: “That such hate can manifest among children speaks volumes about the environment in which prejudice is being learned. This is a failure of society, education, and leadership.”

The Association praised Anupa’s dignified response and her appeal for counselling rather than punishment for the children involved. “She rightly recognises that hatred is not innate but taught, and it can be unlearned through compassion and education,” the statement said.

The incident comes in the wake of two other recent attacks on Indian nationals in Dublin, prompting the Indian Embassy in Ireland to issue a safety advisory. Anupa herself expressed concern over the rising hostility toward the Indian community in Ireland. “I’m proud to be Indian, and I’m proud to be Irish. But now, I feel like I don’t belong here. Even my children are not safe.”

IWA‑GB warned that these incidents are part of a broader and increasingly visible trend of racism and xenophobia, fuelled in part by exclusionary rhetoric in mainstream politics. “These are not isolated episodes,” the statement said. “They are symptoms of a climate that is growing more hostile toward immigrants, particularly those from South Asian communities.”

The organisation urged Irish authorities to conduct a full and transparent investigation, ensure accountability, and provide full psychological and legal support to the affected family. It also called for comprehensive anti-racist education in schools and community-level safeguards to protect children from all backgrounds.

In closing, the IWA‑GB reaffirmed its solidarity with the family and all immigrant families facing discrimination. “We remain committed to challenging racism wherever it arises and building a society where every child, regardless of race, faith, or heritage, can grow up in safety, dignity, and peace.”