Campaign to target hate crime

This week we recognised International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.

This is organised by the United Nations (UN) and aims to stop people being discriminated against because of their race.

It is observed annually on March 21, which is the date the police in Sharpeville, South Africa, opened fire and killed 69 people at a peaceful demonstration against apartheid ‘pass laws’ in 1960.

A UN resolution adopted on October 26, 1966, declares that any kind of racial discrimination is condemnable and the global community is determined to eliminate racial discrimination from its roots wherever it exists in the world.

Since then, the apartheid system in South Africa has been dismantled, racist laws and practices have been abolished in many countries, and an international framework is in place for fighting racism, guided by the International Convention on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. However, too many individuals, communities and societies around the world still suffer from the injustice and stigma that racism brings.

Here in Scotland, racial discrimination also remains a challenge, with 3676 racially aggravated conduct or harassment crimes recorded for the year 2021/22 to date. This figure is down slightly on the figures recorded for the previous year, however it is likely impacted by under reporting from the public.

In order to counter the underreporting of hate crime, Police Scotland are launching a campaign on March 28 to engage directly with those affected and help them overcome the barriers that currently prevent reporting hate. Further details will be announced soon.

Meanwhile, on the evening of Friday, March 18, officers responded to a call in Hamilton where a female had allegedly been assaulted by her ex-partner who had gained access to her property. A 37-year-old male was thereafter arrested and charged with domestic assault and held to appear at court on March 21 when he was remanded in custody.

On Monday, March 21, a member of the public contacted police to report that she had observed a male to have allegedly indecently exposed himself whilst within a vehicle in Hamilton. Enquiries were thereafter carried out and a 28-year-old was arrested, cautioned and charged with public indecency.

For further information on Police Scotland recruitment events please email recruitmentpositiveactionteam@ scotland.police.uk.

If you have any relevant information to report to police, call 101 or Crimestoppers free and anonymously on 0800 555 111.