Race hate is up again in Northern Ireland - what needs to change?

Race hate is up again in Northern Ireland - what needs to change? 11 hours ago Share Save Jessica Lawrence and Simon Doyle , BBC News NI Share Save New figures showing the largest number of race hate incidents on record is "disheartening" but not surprising, a campaigner has said. Earlier this week, the Police Service of Northern Ireland said there were 2,260 race hate incidents recorded last year - the highest level of reports since records began in 2004. It comes after a number of high-profile incidents in the last few weeks, including racist graffiti dobbed on a Belfast apartment building and a letter containing sectarian and Islamophobic messaging being shared on social media. PSNI Chief Inspector Paddy Mullan said while more incidents were being reported, many victims are still not coming forward. Dr Imani Strong, vice chair of the North West Migrants Forum, said racism is "everyone's issue" and people within communities, as well as politicians and policymakers have a "huge role" in making sure it is tackled head on. 'Hard conversations needed' about race Strong, who is an anthropologist, said she was dismayed by the "massive increase" in reports and there are a "combination of factors" contributing to why that may be. "I think that social media does feed it but I think that is intentional and its algorithmic," she told BBC News NI. "I think there are politicians who have found it expedient to scapegoat migrants and people of colour in particular who are migrating to Western countries." People also need to be more willing to discuss race and have "hard conversations" with those perpetuating "deeply problematic" rhetoric as people do not fear any social repercussions, Strong added. She said the rise in racism, particularly in online spaces, cause many people from minority backgrounds to feel anxious, or think twice before posting online. "Everyone is always affected by racism because it erodes community cohesion," she explained. Police investigating 'hate-filled...