New Report Reveals Shocking Levels of Hate Crime Against East and Southeast Asian Communities in the UK
In a new report released Tuesday, charity Protection Approaches has revealed that a staggering 45% of East and Southeast Asian (ESEA) people in the UK have been subjected to a hate crime in the past year. The report, conducted in collaboration with the University of Leicester’s Centre for Hate Studies, sheds light on the underreported and neglected issue of hate crime targeting ESEA communities in the UK.
The report launch, held in Parliament and hosted by MP Sarah Owen, highlights the urgent need for action to address the high levels of hate crime faced by ESEA communities in the UK. During the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a 70% increase in hate incidents against ESEA communities, bringing attention to the lack of support and awareness for victims in this community.
Speaking about the report, MP Sarah Owen said, “The absence of a national strategy on hate crime has left policymakers ill-equipped to address the new challenges facing Britain in 2024, with communities paying the price. If we are to ensure our ESEA communities thrive, we must listen to their needs. This report should serve as a call to action for people, politicians, and policymakers alike.”
The report, funded by the Office of Asian & Pacific Islander Affairs at JPMorgan Chase, is the first of its kind to address the extent of hate crime experienced by ESEA communities in the UK. It found that 1 in 10 victims reported their experiences to the police, with 63% stating they did not believe their reports would be taken seriously. This lack of trust in authorities highlights the urgent need for better support and reporting mechanisms for ESEA communities.
The report also reveals that 75% of recent hate crime incidents were perpetrated by men, and 42% of victims were targeted by groups of perpetrators. In addition, 53% of offenders were believed to be under 30 years old, showing that ESEA communities in the UK are facing hostility and prejudice from younger generations.
The impact of hate crime on victims is also highlighted in the report, with 99% of victims suffering negative impacts to their well-being. Despite this, only 5% of victims have received emotional support from any agency or organization.
Victina Tse, Project Coordinator at On Your Side, a third party reporting and support service for ESEA community members, commented on the report’s findings, saying, “These findings underscore the necessity for tailored and culturally competent reporting mechanisms and support services specifically designed for ESEA communities who experience hate.”
The report concludes with a call to action for the government and funding bodies to take immediate steps to address the issue of hate crime targeting ESEA communities. This includes the publication of a new national Hate Crime Strategy, increased funding for third party support and reporting services, and investment in local community initiatives and educational projects.
Andy Fearn, Co-Executive Director of Protection Approaches, emphasized the importance of addressing this issue, stating, “The rise in hate crime faced by ESEA communities during COVID-19 was not just a passing trend but a significant societal issue that demands immediate and comprehensive intervention.”
The report offers a clear roadmap for change and calls on the government and funding bodies to take action to prevent hate crime targeting ESEA communities and support victims. It is hoped that this report will bring attention to the urgent need for targeted policies and response strategies to address hate crime in the UK and ensure the safety and well-being of all communities.
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.