Refugees and asylum seekers of Rochdale stand against hate crime

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) and Rochdale Borough Council came together with over 100 refugees and asylum seekers to raise awareness of hate crimes.

Organised by Future Group – a community group for asylum seekers and refugees within the Rochdale borough – in partnership with community safety from Rochdale Council and the Kashmir Youth Project, this event was part of the Greater Manchester hate crime awareness week which ran from 7-13 February 2022.

The event aimed to raise awareness and promote the reporting of hate crimes. Hate crimes are crimes committed against someone or a group of people because of their personal characteristics, which are protected by law, and which members of the Future Group can sometimes find themselves victims of. Crimes of this nature can include verbal abuse, intimidation, threats, harassment, assault, bullying and damage to property.

In addition to talks from GMP and councillors, the event provided the first opportunity since the start of the Covid pandemic for asylum seekers and refugees in Rochdale to come together. Families enjoyed a meal alongside children’s entertainment such as a bouncy castle and face painting.

 

 

 

The event was sponsored by Penny Appeal, a charity that aims to provide poverty relief across the globe and support various appeals in the UK such as giving aid to refugees.

Nour Ghazal, senior volunteer for Future Group, said: “It was a great event to bring people together after two years of Covid. It gave us all an opportunity to meet in person and to then discuss any issues and concerns that anybody had. It was also great to see the children play and do activities together and have fun.

Inspector Paul Mason, of GMP’s Rochdale district, said: “Hate crime can have a devastating impact on victims, as well as additionally affecting the wider Rochdale community, which is why our officers are working hard alongside local partners such as Rochdale Borough Council, to engage with local residents to ensure they know what a hate crime is, how to report and what support is available to them.

“We want Rochdale to be a safe place for everyone, regardless of their faith or background. If you’ve been a victim or a witness of hate, I would encourage you to report it to Greater Manchester Police on '101' or visit www.letsendhatecrime.com to report or receive help and support.”

For more information on future events run by Future Group contact Nour Ghazal at rochdalefuture2020@gmail.com.

Visit www.pennyappeal.org for more information on their campaigns and to offer your support to future events for refugees and asylum seekers of the UK and Rochdale.