Event to address hate crime issue

Romanian families left Belfast after attacks earlier this year

Hate crime in Northern Ireland is to be discussed at a conference in Belfast later.

Community relations delegates are due to discuss the circumstances of the Romanian families who left Belfast during the summer.

Migrants who were targeted after the violence at the Northern Ireland versus Poland match in Belfast in March will also be talked about.

Belfast Lord Mayor Naomi Long said the incidents marred the city's reputation.

"It's not just racism that is a problem here in Belfast; the issue of hate crime is much wider and includes sectarianism, discrimination against people with a disability, or discrimination due to religious beliefs or sexual orientation.

"As lord mayor, my vision is of a Belfast without barriers that is welcoming for all," she said.

Belfast City Council held its first conference on the subject of hate crime last year and due to its success, decided to make it an annual event.

Several initiatives to tackle hate crime were borne out of last year's event including 'tension monitoring' by the council and partner agencies, such as the PSNI and Housing Executive, in areas where such attacks have been prevalent.

The council is also working with the Polish Association and Chinese Welfare Association to draw up practical protocols to deal with hate crime and its aftermath in communities.