The Justice Minister has expressed her wholehearted
reassurance to members of minority ethnic communities in Northern
Ireland.
Visiting the Belfast Islamic Centre, the Minister made clear that
the justice system was working to support and protect
communities.
She said: I wish to offer my wholehearted reassurance that we are
committed to supporting and protecting members of the Muslim
community and minority ethnic communities.
These communities make a very valuable contribution to student
life, our workforce and our public services, as well as enhancing
the diversity of culture and society here and strengthening
opportunities for intercultural dialogue.
I appreciate that these are difficult times for minority ethnic
communities, and I recognise that people may be feeling at risk
from a targeted attack. I hope you can have confidence in
the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) and in their
commitment to protecting everyone in our society in very
challenging circumstances.
My Department is committed to playing its part in delivering a
safer community for all, including victims of race hate crimes -
in partnership with others in Government and civil society.
During her visit, the Minister met members of the Muslim
community and heard about the work of the Belfast Islamic Centre.
Vice Chair Dr Wasif Naeem said: There is a lot of anxiety
among the migrant and ethnic minority communities. A lot of
issues are being directed at the Muslim community.
There is significant level of racism and Islamophobia being
witnessed and we are concerned about the challenges we are
facing. We really appreciate that the Minister has come and
listened to our concerns and we hope that we will start to see
things getting better. At Belfast Islamic Centre, we always
invite people to come to us and to have open conversations with
the Muslim community. This is how we are going to move forward in
the future.
In her discussions with members of the Belfast Islamic Centre,
Minister Long outlined a range of actions and supports for
victims of hate crime.
These include legislative provisions in the Sentencing Bill and
Victims and Witnesses of Crime Bill which will modernise hate
crime law in NI and provide a more robust system to sanction
offenders and sends a signal that hate crime won't be tolerated.
The Minister made clear that enhanced protection for victims of
hate crime remains a priority. The Hate Crime Advocacy Service
(HCAS) supports victims of hate crime through the criminal
justice process, signposts them to relevant support services, and
can assist with third party reporting to the PSNI.
And the Hate Incident Practical Action (HIPA) Scheme is also
available across NI to support victims of hate incidents at their
homes.
In addition, individuals may be entitled to compensation under
the Criminal Damage Compensation Scheme for damage caused as a
result of protests if there has been physical damage to property
or a vehicle.
The Minister said: I wholly condemn the racially motivated
attacks and abuse of members of minority ethnic communities and
their businesses in recent weeks. We cannot have hatred on our
streets. Targeting a person because of who they are or what they
believe is unacceptable and, as with all forms of intolerance, is
a blight on our society that needs to be addressed by all those
within it.
It is my intention to work with others to ensure that negative
attitudes and behaviours are tackled, including how good
relations work can be broadened to create cohesive and inclusive
communities where people of all faiths and ethnicities are valued
and respected.
She continued: My Department is committed to playing its part in
delivering a safer community for all, including victims of race
hate crimes - in partnership with others in Government and civil
society. Everyone has their part to play in tackling race
hate. Depressingly, much of the violence that happened was driven
by misinformation, lies and untruths.
Ensure the information you use to make decisions about your
actions and behaviour is accurate and verified. Rely on official
sources, not random social media posts or media commentators with
their own agenda to push.
Notes to editors:
- Sources of support and information victims of hate crime
incidents can be found here: www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/hate-crime
- Information on the Criminal Damage Compensation Scheme:
www.nidirect.gov.uk/publications/guide-criminal-damage-compensation-scheme
