Committed to tackling racism

Tuesday, 21 March 2023 09:45

By David Murphy

This International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (Tuesday 21 March) Bury Council is reaffirming its zero-tolerance stance to racism and reminding people how to report hate crimes.

Acts of discrimination of any kind have no place in the borough and the authority is committed to addressing incidents that take place.

Hate crime is any criminal offence which is perceived by the victim (or any other person) to be motivated by hostility or prejudice, based on a person’s real or perceived disability, race, religion, sexual orientation or transgender identity.

There’s further information here about how to report all manner of hate crimes: www.bury.gov.uk/hatecrime

Councill Richard Gold, cabinet member for finance and communities, said: “Everybody deserves to be treated with respect and dignity and we do not tolerate any form of racism or discrimination in the borough.

"In Bury, we are proud of our diversity and celebrate our vibrant mix of race, culture and communities.

“We are committed to tackling racism and take a zero-tolerance approach to incidents that take place.

“The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination provides a focus for the importance of tackling hate crimes and prejudice based on someone’s race or any other characteristic.

“Of course, tackling racial discrimination is important all year round, not just on one day.

“Earlier this year we held several events in the community during Greater Manchester Hate Crime Awareness Week, and we will be promoting National Hate Crime Awareness Week in October.

“Hate crime does not always result in physical violence; it can take many forms such as verbal or psychological abuse. Acts of hate can have a huge impact on the victim and therefore are classed as a crime.

“We must all play our part in tackling racial discrimination and hate crime.”

In an emergency, always call 999 if you or any other person is in immediate danger.