Today, the Deputy Minister and Chief Whip, Jane Hutt, will make an oral statement in the Senedd to mark Hate Crime Awareness week.
This was published under the 2016 to 2021 administration of the Welsh Government
The 2019/2020 National Hate Crime statistics, published by the Home Office today, show an overall 2% increase in recorded hate crime for Wales, compared to 8% increase across England and Wales as a whole. The statistics included a 10% increase in transgender hate crime, a 2% rise in disability hate crime, and a 2% rise in hate crime where sexual orientation is the motivating factor. There was a 2% decrease in race hate crime, and a 3% decrease in religious hate crime.
Victim Support Cymru will be launching its Hate Crime Charter on Saturday, focussing on the rights of victims of hate crime. The Welsh Government will be signing up to the Charter, and will encourage organisations to show their commitment to playing a part in tackling hate crime, from providing support and information for victims, to raising awareness.
Jane Hutt said:
No person in Wales should have to tolerate prejudice or hate crime. Everyone has the right to respect, and everyone should be able to go through their day without being insulted, harassed or attacked. It is vital that victims of hate crime are supported, and that perpetrators are held to account.
We are working with the police, community cohesion co-ordinators and victim support services to make sure that people in Wales understand what hate crimes are, and what action victims, bystanders and communities should take when they happen. Hate crime can have a devastating effect on victims. Our work to raise awareness of hate crime and encourage victims to report is as vital as ever
Across Wales, organisations are using Hate Crime Awareness Week as an opportunity to remind people that they do not have to tolerate hate and prejudice. It is not acceptable for people to live in fear just because of who they are. I hope all will join me today in supporting this very clear message that there is no home for hate in Wales.
The Minister has provided a message of support for an online event this afternoon hosted by Race Equality First, launching its Discrimination and Hate Crime Project as part of Hate Crime Awareness Week activities.