NGOs express concern over racist attacks in UK after referendum

BRUSSELS, June 27 (KUNA) -- The European Network Against Racism (ENAR) expressed here Monday extreme concern by numerous reports of racist speech and attacks aimed at Polish, Muslim and other minorities in the United Kingdom, following the EU referendum vote for Brexit.
"UK leaders must strongly respond to and publicly condemn these incidents, as well as prevent a further rise in hate crimes," said ENAR in a statement.
"These latest incidents show that political hate speech can escalate into real life and have a very tangible and destructive effect on minority communities in the United Kingdom," it said.
It called on police and law enforcement authorities to investigate and prosecute these incidents as hate crimes and ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice.
Amel Yacef, ENAR Chairperson, said: "British society should not give in to revengeful racist nationalism against communities who have steadfastly contributed to the growth and sustainability of the UK economy and society." The Brussels-based ENAR groups local and national anti-racist NGOs throughout Europe and voices the concerns of ethnic and religious minorities in European and national policy debates. (end) nk.hb