Posted 10 June 2026

““Responsibility lies not only with those who carried out these attacks, but also with those who have contributed to a climate in which racism can flourish, including those who have cynically exploited public anger and those stoking division online from afar”

Patrick Corrigan, Northern Ireland Director at Amnesty International UK

Responding to the racist violence that took place in Belfast last night, Patrick Corrigan, Northern Ireland Programme Director at Amnesty International UK, said:

“The scenes witnessed in Belfast last night were a disgrace. Families were targeted because of the colour of their skin or their country of origin, leaving people frightened, homeless and fearing for their safety.

“This was racist violence on a shocking scale. It did not emerge in a vacuum. The flames that burned last night were fuelled by those who sought to blame entire communities for the actions of an individual and by politicians who have used inflammatory rhetoric instead of showing leadership.

“This is the third consecutive summer in which Northern Ireland has experienced organised racist violence, with each outbreak more serious than the last. Responsibility lies not only with those who carried out these attacks, but also with those who have contributed to a climate in which racism can flourish, including those who have cynically exploited public anger and those stoking division online from afar.

“Race hate crime in Northern Ireland was already at record levels before these attacks. The PSNI has a clear duty to protect those at risk from racist violence and to hold those responsible to account. Political leaders must also play their part by challenging racism, rejecting attempts to scapegoat entire communities and demonstrating the leadership this moment demands.”

source https://www.amnesty.org.uk/latest/racist-violence-in-belfast-a-disgrace-stoked-from-afar/