PSNI recorded 1,777 racist incidents and 1,150 racist attacks last year  

Strong solidarity against racism at ‘Our Belfast: Free from Racism!’ community gathering at Belfast City Hall

‘To anyone living in fear, because of their skin colour, their religion, their immigration status – we say to you: we have your back’ – Patrick Corrigan 

A strong turnout at the ‘Our Belfast, Free from Racism!’ rally this Sunday, demonstrated the passion and commitment of communities to stay united against hatred and ensure Belfast is a city for all.

Giving a speech at the rally, Director of Amnesty Northern Ireland, Patrick Corrigan, said:

“Belfast is a city for all. It’s big and it’s beautiful enough for everyone. Our diversity is our strength. Our unity is our superpower. Belfast knows only too well - because we have experienced too much of it - that united we stand, but divided we fall.

"Today we stand here united against those who seek to stoke hatred. We will not accept hatred against our friends. We will not accept violence against our neighbours.

“To every citizen of this great city, whether you arrived here last week, last year or have lived here all your life, this is your home. To those who have travelled over continents and seas to make Belfast your home, we thank you. You enrich us with your experiences and your culture. You make us better. To anyone living in fear, because of their skin colour, their religion, their immigration status – we say to you: we have your back. We will not let the racists divide us. They will not win.” 

The PSNI recorded 1,777 racist incidents and 1,150 racist attacks in 2024, reaching the highest ever recorded levels during the summer period.  

Last year saw racist hate crimes hit new all-time highs in Northern Ireland. Amnesty’s response will always be solidarity to those being marginalised and attacked within our communities and to demand better political leadership at Stormont to address the root causes of racism, Islamophobia and xenophobia that plagues our society. 

Amnesty International was one of the organisers of the ‘Our Belfast: Free from Racism!’ community gathering at Belfast City Hall which took place Sunday at 1pm in response to a planned anti-immigration protest being promoted on far-right social media channels. Other organisers include campaign group United Against Racism, trade union NIPSA, the Anaka Women’s Collective, Belfast Islamic Centre and Horn of Africa People’s Aid NI.