The SDLP in Derry has pledged its support for next week's Civil Rights' parade through the city marking the anniversary of the original 1968 civil rights march which many believe marked the start of the troubles.
Three of the men behind of the original march – Eamonn McCann, Dermie McClenaghan and Johnny White – have organised next Saturday's parade to highlight what they have described as modern day civil right's abuses.
Among the issued raised are racial and homophobic attacks as well as the detention without charge of Muslims under anti-terror legislation.
They have also highlighted the case of Derry man Seamus Doherty who has been on remand for more than a year on bomb charges.
Mr Doherty's legal team has claimed forensic evidence linking him to a bomb in Newry was tampered with.
Earlier this week the march organisers revealed several Derry city councillors said they would support the parade if reference to Mr Doherty was dropped because of his perceived links with dissident republicans.
Now the SDLP in Derry has publicly stated its support for the parade.
Assembly member, Pat Ramsey said it was important that people did not forget what the original march was about.
"The SDLP would like to see the people of Derry marching once again in their thousands to reassert the true meaning of civil rights, to celebrate the gains we have made in human liberty and ensure that those gains are the property of all," Mr Ramsey said.
