WIREDGOV

Minister with responsibility for equality, Lesley Griffiths, has yesterday announced £23,000 for Hate Crime Awareness Week 2015.

The funding will be available to Wales’ Police and Crime Commissioners to work within communities to increase reporting of hate crime. It will also be used to run a campaign and host a national conference to increase awareness of cyber hate and bullying.

The Minister made the announcement at Race Council Cymru’s Annual Race Equality Conference in Cardiff. Addressing representatives from Local Authorities, Police and Third Sector organisations, the Minister reaffirmed the Welsh Government’s commitment to promoting race equality and eliminating all forms of racism.

The Welsh Government is taking action to tackle hate crime. This includes funding the National Hate Crime Report and Support Centre and delivering on the commitments of the Hate Crime Framework.

Minister for Communities and Tackling Poverty, Lesley Griffiths, said:

“All forms of hate crime, including race hate, have absolutely no place in our society. Incidents of abuse are shocking and unacceptable and the Welsh Government is determined to tackle this behaviour head on.

“I am pleased to announce funding for Hate Crime Awareness Week 2015. The funding aims to build on the great work undertaken last year, including the wide range of roadshows, workshops and campaigns which took place across Wales.

“There will be a specific focus on combatting cyber hate and bullying this year. Members of the Wales Race Forum have told me cyber hate and bullying are a real concern among communities and the intention of the week is to raise awareness of the issue and develop greater preventative measures.

“I want victims of hate crime to know no-one has to accept hostility and prejudice and, importantly, support is available. I look forward to continuing to work with partners to combat hate crime and promote race equality in Wales.”

Yesterday’s announcement follows the Welsh Government’s support for Hate Crime Awareness Week 2014. Last year, over £20,000 was made available to raise awareness of intolerance and promote reporting of hate crime. The successful campaign was run in conjunction with partners across Wales and led to increased reporting.

RELATED LINKS