Naomi Long renews commitment to an inclusive society and sets out plans to strengthen hate crime laws during Hate Crime Awareness Week.

Speaking during Hate Crime Awareness Week, Justice Minister Naomi Long reaffirmed her determination to build a fair, just and safe community that welcomes everyone, urging a collective response to hate crime.

She said: "Our society has become so much more diverse in recent years, and it is all the richer for it. Targeting a person because of who they are or what they believe – be it their race, religion, political belief, sexuality, gender identity or disability – is wrong and needs to be called out.

"During Hate Crime Awareness Week, it is time to reflect on the disorder we witnessed on our streets some months ago, to stand with those communities who have been intimidated and abused, and to continue to speak out against those who seek to destroy our community. Everyone in our community should be able to live without the fear of threats or violence."

A key priority for the Minister is strengthening the law and improving the criminal justice experience for victims of hate crime. The Criminal Justice (Sentencing etc) Bill and the Victims and Witnesses of Crime Bill are intended to modernise hate crime law in Northern Ireland and ensure offenders are held to account. The package includes automatic eligibility for consideration of special measures and protection from in-person cross-examination in hate crime cases, and a statutory aggravation model so any offence can be aggravated by hostility towards one or more protected groups, recorded on the offender's criminal record and reflected consistently across the justice process. She said: "These reforms matter because the impact of hate can be long lasting and far reaching. It can affect not only the person targeted, but also families and entire communities, spreading fear and undermining people's sense of safety and belonging. By recognising the hate element clearly and consistently throughout the justice process, we are sending an equally clear message: these crimes will be taken seriously."

The Minister also highlighted the work of the Hate Crime Advocacy Service (HCAS), jointly funded by the Department of Justice and the Police Service of Northern Ireland, which supports victims through the criminal justice process, provides a safe and confidential space, and signposts to housing, health and psychological services.

The Minister said: "In 2025/26, HCAS recorded the highest number of referrals since the service was established, a 28% increase on the previous year. While it is disappointing that our society requires this service, it is encouraging to see victims of hate crime seeking and receiving this vital support at a critical time.

"If you experience or witness hate crime, please report it. You can contact the police by phone or online, seek support through experienced hate crime advocates, or report anonymously to Crimestoppers. Reporting matters: it helps victims access support, enables the justice system to respond and gives us a clearer picture of the harm being caused in our communities.

"But I am making a clear call to action, we must do more than refuse to tolerate hate: we must challenge it, support those it targets and uphold the dignity of every person in our community. Together, we can make it clear that hate has no home here. We must stand together against hate crime."