Justice Minister pledges support for minority ethnic communities

Date published: 26 June 2026

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.”