An anti-racism rally will be staged in Belfast today in response to rising attacks in Northern Ireland.
Crowds will meet at Writers’ Square before marching to City Hall.
The ‘Belfast For All’ march has been organised by United Against Racism, Amnesty International, Belfast Islamic Centre and trade union Nipsa.
Patrick Corrigan from Amnesty NI, who is due to address the rally, said a clear message will be sent that racists will not win.
“To every citizen of this great city who is living in fear because of their skin colour, religion, or immigration status – we say to you: we have your back,” he will say.
“We will fight for your rights. We will insist on better leadership from our politicians. We will insist on more effective protection by the police.
“We will not let the racists divide us. Whether they show up in sharp suits or in balaclavas, and whether they show up on social media or on the streets – they will not win.”
According to the latest PSNI figures, race hate incidents are on the rise in Northern Ireland.
In the year to September, police recorded 409 additional race hate crime incidents compared the previous year — an increase of over a third.
The main reports concern criminal damage and arson.
The figures include incidents after serious public disorder at the start of August, which mirrored unrest across the UK amid false social media rumours about the killing of three girls in Southport.
In September Assistant Chief Constable Bobby Singleton described the rise in race hate crime as “really stark”.