MS, Cabinet Secretary for Social
Justice, Trefnydd and Chief Whip: On 15th March we observed
International Day to Combat Islamophobia designated by the United
Nations in 2022.
National Hate Crime Statistics for England and Wales for
2023/2024 showed a 21% increase in religious hate crime in Wales,
in comparison to the previous year. This demonstrates why work to
tackle faith-based hate crime is needed.
Islamophobia is harmful and promotes hatred, hostility, and fear.
It can occur in through opaque and pervasive means like online
and social media content.
Here in Wales, we stand in solidarity with our Muslim community
Islamophobia has no place in society, and we reaffirm our
commitment to challenging discrimination, hatred and intolerance
in all its forms.
In November we launched the Anti-racist Wales Action Plan 2024
setting out key actions for Welsh Government and other Public
Bodies to take to tackle racism in Wales. Our Plan commits us to
take action to tackle Islamophobia hate crime in all its forms.
Learning from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities'
experiences of racism, and race inequality, the Plan sets out
what we are doing to make a real difference to the lives of
people.
Our anti-hate crime communications campaign, Hate Hurts Wales,
highlights the negative impact on both the victim and their own
lives, as well as highlighting the importance of bystanders for
securing a positive outcome. As one of the five strands of hate
crime, recognised in UK law, faith-based hate crime, such as
Islamophobia, is central in the campaign's messaging.
We encourage community members to report hate crime. Incidents
can be reported to the police or via the Welsh Government funded
Wales Hate Support Centre, run by Victim
Support Cymru, The Centre provides free, confidential, and
accessible support and advocacy to all victims of hate crime, 24
hours a day 7 days a week. Support is provided over the
telephone, face-to-face, or virtually. The Wales Hate Support
Centre also provides a national children and young person
friendly hate crime service.
Prejudice-related bullying has no place in any part of our
society in Wales. We are concerned by the reports of children and
young people across Wales who are experiencing Islamophobia and
racist abuse in their education settings
International Day to Combat Islamophobia reminds us to unite
against discrimination, foster understanding, and promote respect
for Muslims, ensuring a Wales where diversity is celebrated, and
hate has no place. We have more in common than that which divides
us.
