New PSNI annual report shows 2,049 racist incidents and 1,329 race hate crimes - detailing the highest levels recorded since records began in 2004

The year ending June 2025 shows worst-ever period for racist hate crime after riots and migrant attacks

Amnesty is calling for a new anti-racism strategy and justice for victims

‘Hate crime thrives when politicians deliver words but no action. Racism has no place here, and it is time our institutions proved it’ – Patrick Corrigan

Amnesty International has branded the past 12 months “a year of hate and fear” in Northern Ireland, after new PSNI figures revealed racist hate crime has reached its highest level since records began in 2004.

The figures include the impact of the racist riots in Belfast in August 2024 and the wave of violent attacks on migrant families in June 2025. Incidents, Amnesty says, that show racism in Northern Ireland is “out of control”.

The figures published today (28 August ) in a report by the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) and the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency track recorded hate crimes and incidents for the 12 months to 30 June 2025. 

The report reveals that there have been 2,049 incidents and 1,329 crimes recorded by the police. There were 646 more race incidents and 434 more race hate crimes recorded in the last 12 months than in the previous corresponding period. Almost half of the race hate crimes (658) and incidents (965) occurred in Belfast.

The 349 race incidents recorded in August 2024 alone were the single highest monthly level since 2004, closely followed by the 345 race incidents recorded in June 2025, the second highest ever figure. 

Patrick Corrigan, Amnesty International’s Northern Ireland Director, said:

“This has been a year of hate and fear in Northern Ireland and a shameful new record; the highest number of racist hate crimes ever recorded. This isn't just a headline, it's a crisis. 

“Behind these figures are real people, real families, living in terror simply because of the colour of their skin or where they come from. This hasn’t happened in a vacuum. This has been a crisis developing for years, fuelled by complacency and inaction. 

“The racist riots in Belfast last summer, followed by the brutal attacks on migrant families this June, were not isolated. They are the symptoms of a society that has failed to confront racism and are indicative of a tide of hate that has been rising for years.

"Political leaders and the PSNI should be treating this as the crisis it now is, with vigilante gangs prowling the streets and families afraid for their children as they go back to school.

“Hate crime thrives when politicians deliver words but no action. The Executive must show leadership and deliver an effective plan to tackle racism when the current ineffectual Race Equality Strategy comes to an end in a few months. Racism has no place here – it’s time our institutions proved it.”

Amnesty is calling for decisive leadership from the Northern Ireland Executive, including the delivery of a new anti-racism strategy and justice for every victim.