InfoSearched
Published -
- May 5, 2020
- 2:17 pm
Hate crimes against Chinese.
Exclusive: The rate of hate crimes against Chinese people between January and March was nearly three times that of the previous two years, according to data released by police forces.
What measures has the UK government taken to address the issue of hate crimes against Chinese people during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Coronavirus: Hate Crimes Against Chinese People in the UK on the Rise
The outbreak of the novel coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, has prompted a surge in hate crimes against Chinese people in the United Kingdom. Since the first case of the virus was reported in Wuhan, China in December 2019, the world has witnessed an increase in racist and xenophobic incidents towards Chinese communities across the globe.
In the UK, the Chinese community has reported an increase in verbal and physical attacks, online racial abuse, and discrimination. British Chinese people have been subjected to harassment on public transportation, in shopping centres, and on the streets. They have been blamed for the spread of the virus and stigmatized as potential carriers of the disease.
According to The Monitoring Group, a UK-based anti-racism organisation, incidents of racism against Chinese people have increased by 300% since the outbreak of the virus. The organisation has documented cases of people being spat on, yelled at, and physically attacked in public spaces. Additionally, individuals have reported being barred from entering shops or denied services due to their ethnicity.
The rise in hate crimes has sparked concerns among human rights and civil society organisations in the UK. Amnesty International UK has called for a national campaign condemning hate crimes and xenophobia, while the Chinese Welfare Trust has set up a hotline to provide support to victims of discrimination.
The UK government has also recognized the problem and has called on the public to respect each other and avoid discriminatory behaviour. The Home Office has launched an online reporting service for hate crimes, and the Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, has condemned racism against the Chinese community.
The rise of hate crimes against Chinese people in the UK is not only a local issue, but a global trend. Across the world, Asian communities have been targeted with racial abuse and discrimination. In the United States, President Donald Trump has been criticised for referring to COVID-19 as the “Chinese virus” and stirring up anti-Asian sentiments.
The COVID-19 pandemic is a global challenge that requires international solidarity and cooperation. Discrimination against any community undermines this effort and creates further divisions in society. It is essential that individuals, civil society organisations, and governments work together to combat hate crimes and promote respect for diversity and human rights.
In conclusion, the rise in hate crimes against Chinese people in the UK is a cause for concern that needs to be addressed immediately. It is essential to condemn racism and discrimination and promote a culture of diversity and inclusivity. By doing so, we can ensure that the COVID-19 pandemic does not lead to further social and racial inequalities in our society.
