“There can be no excuse for the blatant racism and criminal acts on our streets…. As a society, we have an obligation to protect those who have come to seek refuge, work and contribute to our society. They should be able to live their lives without fear of attack”, Geraldine McGahey, Chief Commissioner, August 2024
Representatives from ethnic minority communities have clearly outlined the devastating effects of hatred,
including to the NI Assembly.
Even before the horrific events of this summer,
PSNI statistics show from July 2023 to June 2024 there were 891 hate crimes based on race.
Hate crimes were also recorded based on sexual orientation, sectarianism, disability, faith/religion and transgender identity.
The PSNI records hate incidents that may not meet the threshold of a crime. In the year leading up to June 2024, there were 1,411 race incidents, marking the highest 12-month total since records began in 2004/05.
In addition, we know there is underreporting of hate crimes, so the actual number is likely much higher.
Challenging prejudice in society
Societal change is needed to prevent hate from taking root in the first place. Prejudicial attitudes and negative stereotypes need to be tackled from a young age and throughout society, including in schools, training, work, and families. Specific actions are also needed to confront online hate speech and abuse.
We would like to see:
• action to tackle prejudicial attitudes, behaviour and hate crimes
• strong and visible leadership from public bodies and those in positions of influence
• a coordinated, and collaborative approach across different agencies and organisations.
We have made a range of recommendations to
address prejudice-based bullying in schools, and promote
shared and safe housing. These would help prevent the harmful attitudes that can lead to hate incidents and crimes.
Underreporting of hate crime
We need action to address the underreporting of hate crimes. This can be achieved through awareness raising and building trust in the justice system. It is important there is partnership working with equality groups. Efforts should be made to ensure any victim reporting a hate crime:
• has an accessible way to report it
• is offered appropriate support
• has any concerns about anonymity addressed.
Legal reform and the justice system
The existing legislation has led to operational and procedural difficulties, and it seems to be under-used.
We have called for strengthened comprehensive legislation.
The Department of Justice has indicated it accepts in principle several recommendations aligned with the Commission’s position on improving the legislation. This includes the adoption of a statutory aggravation model. This approach will ensure that the hate crime element is considered and addressed throughout the criminal justice process, not just at the point of sentencing.
The
Department has also accepted in principle that the laws should protect trans people and recognise sectarianism. We have also recommended that gender, age, and intersex characteristics should be addressed.
However, the
Department is not planning to bring forward comprehensive legislation to address hate crime during this mandate . We consider that one Hate Crime Bill would provide greater clarity and certainty and address existing gaps in protections.
Taking action to secure progress
Political leaders, the Department of Justice, criminal justice agencies and others in positions of influence must take further action to tackle hate and strengthen protections for those affected by hate crimes.
However, each of us has a duty to do all we can to bring an end to hate. We must work together to challenge hate crime and discrimination, promote positive attitudes and good relations in our communities.
The Commission, along with many other individuals and organisations, has been working for many years to address hate and its causes. We will continue highlighting the need for change and hope you can join us.
You can help by:
1. sharing this webpage –
www.equalityni.org/HateCrimePolicy – to raise awareness and inspire action.
2. engaging with colleagues about our recommendations and building support for change.
3. calling on key government officials and elected representatives, including the Justice Minister, to implement our recommendations.
Posted on 11 Oct 2024 by