The No Hate Here campaign by the North Belfast District Policing and Community Safety Partnership (DPCSP) will raise awareness of hate crime, support victims, and encourage local businesses and community groups to act as safe places where vulnerable members of the community can go for support.

Launching the campaign to coincide with Hate Crime Awareness Week 2016, Ms Sugden said: “Hate and intolerance, whatever form they take, have no place in our society, and we must continue to challenge the prejudiced views that underpin all forms of hate crime.

“My Department’s Community Safety Strategy recognises the important role that the criminal justice system plays in tackling all forms of hate crime and the harm it causes.

“I welcome North Belfast DPCSP’s response to the needs of their community in taking forward this campaign.”

Further activities promoting the No Hate Here campaign are set to take place over the coming months, including workshops and training sessions with business and community representatives, bi-monthly meetings of the North Belfast Hate Crime Working Group and weekly meetings of the North Belfast Friendship Club.