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Newly released statistics reveal a record-high number of race hate incidents in Northern Ireland, a development described by advocates as deeply troubling yet, in some ways, anticipated. According to the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), the reporting of race-related hate crimes has increased notably, though many affected individuals remain reluctant to come forward. This reluctance poses a challenge for authorities working to address and reduce such offenses.
Dr Imani Strong, an anthropologist and vice chair of the North West Migrants Forum, emphasized that racism is a broad societal concern requiring active involvement from communities, politicians, and policymakers alike. She highlighted several contributing factors behind the surge in reports, pointing to the influential and, at times, algorithm-driven role of social media platforms. Strong also criticized certain politicians for using migrants and people of colour as scapegoats, a tactic that fuels division. She urged the public to engage in candid conversations about race to challenge and dismantle harmful narratives, noting that many individuals spread such rhetoric without fearing social consequences.
The impact of increasing racist incidents is widespread, creating anxiety among minority populations, especially online. Dr Strong explained how racism undermines community cohesion and affects everyone’s wellbeing, cautioning against social fatigue in confronting these issues. She stressed the importance of education in schools to teach children about racism in an informative and empowering way, enabling them to identify and counteract discriminatory behavior from an early age.
From January to December 2025, the PSNI recorded 2,260 race-related incidents and crimes, marking an increase of 488 compared to the previous year. Of these, 1,430 were classified as race hate crimes, with Belfast City experiencing nearly 40% of the incidents. The unrest during June 2025 significantly contributed to this spike, with 347 cases reported in that month alone. Although the report noted a sustained higher level of incidents through the latter half of the year, concern remains about the prolonged elevated figures.
Paula Bradshaw, chair of Stormont’s all-party group on ethnic minority communities, described the data as “deeply worrying,” highlighting the vulnerability felt by many ethnic minority residents in her South Belfast constituency. She linked tensions in society to online anti-immigration sentiments and expressed concern over the fear experienced by minority families in everyday activities like walking to school or work. Bradshaw noted that racism and sectarianism are intertwined societal challenges and emphasized the need to counteract misinformation that contributes to prejudice. She argued that addressing the problem requires more than just police action or legislation; it necessitates collective efforts toward better integration across communities.
Chief Inspector Paddy Mullan, deputy lead for hate crime at the PSNI, acknowledged that many victims hesitate to report race hate crimes. He assured that the police have actively sought to build confidence among victims, aiming to offer adequate support and pursue justice for those targeted because of their identity or origin. Mullan described hate crime as an “absolute priority” for the force, explaining that every case is meticulously reviewed by senior officers daily to ensure thorough investigations and victim support. He called the targeting of individuals based on race or national background “absolutely abhorrent” and reaffirmed the PSNI’s commitment to protecting victims and treating hate crimes with utmost seriousness
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