Sugden, Ross and Fearon support ‘No Hate Here’ campaign
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Justice Minister, Claire Sugden and Junior Ministers, Alastair Ross and Megan Fearon have voiced their support for the Policing and Community Safety Partnership ‘No Hate Here’ campaign.
The initiative from the North Belfast District Policing and Community Safety Partnership (DPCSP) is designed to raise awareness of hate crime, support victims, and encourage local businesses and community groups to act as safe places where vulnerable members of the community can go for support.
Launching the campaign at the Houben Centre, North Belfast to coincide with Hate Crime Awareness Week 2016, Justice Minister Claire Sugden said: ‘Hate and intolerance, whatever form they take, have no place in our society, and we must continue to challenge the prejudiced views that underpin all forms of hate crime.
“My Department’s Community Safety Strategy recognises the important role that the criminal justice system plays in tackling all forms of hate crime and the harm it causes. I welcome North Belfast DPCSP’s response to the needs of their community in taking forward this campaign.”
Junior Minister Alastair Ross said: “We must all play our part in stamping out hate and intolerance and create a Northern Ireland free from hate motivated crimes and sectarian motivated incidents.
“Each incident is one too many and I encourage everyone in the area to get involved in this campaign. It is only by working together that we can help eliminate hate and intolerance to improve life for the individuals affected, their families and the entire community.”
Junior Minister Megan Fearon said: “I unreservedly condemn hate crimes and all forms of intimidation. The Executive is committed to building a united community and in doing so, tackling hate and intolerance.
“While race hate crimes are a matter for the police, we all have a responsibility to support, welcome and respect our neighbours. Society is strengthened by our differences and I commend the North Belfast DPCSP for its work in tackling these despicable crimes and supporting victims.”
Over the coming weeks and months there will be further activities promoting the ‘No Hate Here’ campaign including workshops and training sessions with business and community representatives, bi-monthly meetings of the North Belfast Hate Crime Working Group and weekly meetings of the North Belfast Friendship Club.
Notes to editors:
- The North Belfast District Policing and Community Safety Partnership (DPCSP) will provide training for those who sign up to the ‘No Hate Here’ campaign and introduce them to the various Advocate Schemes which support victims of hate crime in Northern Ireland and will be provided with publicity materials to raise awareness of the ‘No Hate Here’ message.
- Hate Crime Awareness Week runs from 10 to 15 October.
- All media enquiries should be directed to the Department of Justice Press Office on 028 9052 6444. Out of office hours please contact the duty press officer via pager number 07623 974383 and your call will be returned.