Over the past few days, we have watched the events in Belfast, and later on Scotland and other parts of the country, with shock and concern.

We condemn any violence and our thoughts are with the victim of Monday’s horrific attack, and everyone affected by it. With the suspect arrested, it is crucial that the legal process is allowed to be carried out.

However, such events cannot and should not be used as an excuse to unleash terror and violence against communities of people in the form of collective punishment for the actions of one individual. These organised, targeted racist attacks based purely on people’s skin colour or background have the explicit intention to intimidate and drive people out of their own neighbourhoods.

We must reject racism, hatred, intimidation, and attempts to exploit tragic events to spread fear and division. Responsibility lies not only with those carrying out these attacks, but also with those who fuel division, exploit public anger, and create a climate in which racism can thrive.

We stand in solidarity with the communities of Belfast and other parts of the country where protests are taking place.

Next week is Refugee Week, and this year’s theme ‘courage’ seems even more relevant now. It is important that we have the courage to stand against those who seek to divide us and promote hatred and racist ideology.

These are challenging, frustrating and worrying times, but we know that there are more decent, kind people in our communities and believe that humanity and hope will prevail.