The Community Relations Council was formed in January 1990 as an independent company and registered charity. It originated in 1986 as a proposal of a research report commissioned by the NI Standing Advisory Committee on Human Rights.

The Community Relations Council was set up to promote better community relations between Protestants and Catholics in Northern Ireland and, equally, to promote recognition of cultural diversity.

Its strategic aim is to promote a peaceful and fair society based on reconciliation and mutual trust.

It aims to do this by:

• Providing support (finance, advice, information) for local groups and organisations

• Developing opportunities for cross-community understanding

• Increasing public awareness of community relations work

• Encouraging constructive debate throughout Northern Ireland

The Council’s work falls into three main areas:

• Encouraging other organisations, both voluntary and statutory, to develop a community relations aspect to their policies and practices

• Working with churches and groups which have a primary community relations focus

• Encouraging greater acceptance of and respect for cultural diversity