Society must unite against hate - Ford

2.27.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 6th Oct 2010

Justice Minister David Ford

Justice Minister David Ford has today spoken of his desire for Northern Ireland to not only respect but to celebrate diversity.

Justice Minister David Ford has today spoken of his desire for Northern Ireland to not only respect but to celebrate diversity.

The Minister was speaking at the Belfast Community Safety Partnership Unite Against Hate Convention at Belfast City Hall where he spoke of how diversity has enriched the economic, social and cultural fabric of Northern Ireland and how everyone has a role to play in breaking down barriers.

David Ford said, "To have truly safer communities we need to build shared communities - not just down historic religious grounds, but in every sense of the word. Diversity is something to be embraced, respected and celebrated.

"Unfortunately however there are still those in society intent on targeting people just because they are different to them. Their ignorance breeds bitterness and resentment that manifests itself in the most intolerable way.

"Hate crime is wrong; we must all unite against it and send out the message that it will not be tolerated."

Turning to the role DOJ has to play in tackling hate crime, the Minister said, "I will soon be publishing for consultation, a new Community Safety Strategy for Northern Ireland which contains proposals on how we tackle hate crime of all kinds in Northern Ireland.

"We need to take a strategic approach: to raise awareness of hate crime of all kinds and encourage reporting; to support victims with care and sensitivity to their needs; and to ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice and face the full weight of the law."

The Minister also spoke of the opportunity devolution provides for closer co-operation across Departments - who each have a role to play in delivering a safer, shared community.

David Ford continued: "Our Executive Departments need to work together to tackle these problems, and an effective Cohesion, Sharing and Integration (CSI) programme will be a vital element. I am committed to a robust CSI programme and am determined that my Department will play its full part in delivering on a shared future for the benefit of all our citizens.

"I believe this desire is truly at the heart of Northern Ireland's thinking and whilst Government must take the lead and set the tone of the debate, we cannot tackle hate crime without the support of the wider community.

"I therefore urge everyone to take their opportunity to shape the debate on how to address the continued problems and consequences arising from division and segregation."