Chris Lyttle MLA said: “I believe the ‘Unite Against Hate’ campaign can play an important role in supporting victims and helping the Police prevent such hate crimes.
“Northern Ireland is a welcoming place, where the vast majority of the population have expressed their revulsion at the recent rise in race hate crimes.
“It is clear that there is a lot of misinformation about ethnic minorities in terms of jobs, education, housing and health services. It is important that elected representatives stand up for the positive contribution made by ethnic minorities and to challenge such prejudice that can fuel unacceptable threatment of members of our community.
“The re-launch of the ‘Unite Against Hate’ campaign can offer people the opportunity to turn opposition into action. It is important that this campaign reaches grass roots level to help victims as well as challenge the views of those who carry out such crimes.
“We must make Northern Ireland an open and welcoming place to all.”
ENDS