Hate crimes have notably increased in the world. According to multiple sources including the BBC, hate crimes have risen sharply in different countries. Hate crimes — which encompass criminal acts including physical assaults, vandalism, harassment, intimidation and even cyberbullying based on factors including race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and disability — have devastating effects on individuals and communities. The 2019 Christchurch mosque shootings in New Zeeland are an example religion based hate crimes. Additionally, there are many examples of hate crimes based on race and ethnicity including the 2019 El Paso shooting targeting Hispanics in the United States and the 2015 murder of a Japanese man in Malaysia leading to growing concerns.
It is notable that legal, policy based and other steps have been taken to address hate crimes, which not only cause harm to the victims but also create fear and division within communities, in many countries. Governments implement stricter laws and penalties, along with efforts to increase law enforcement training and resources, for addressing hate crimes in different countries. Among others, there are awareness raising initiatives to fight hate crimes in different countries. But there are diverse loopholes in the efforts to address hate crimes. The lack of comprehensive legislation, inadequate reporting mechanisms and tracking systems are crucial limitations. While some countries implement strict laws and policies to combat hate crimes, others struggle with inadequate legislation and enforcement.
Insufficient legal frameworks to prosecute and punish offenders contribute to the persistence of the inadequacies in different countries in addressing thousands of hate crimes happenings each year in the world without any doubt. Additionally, limited resources, the focus on individual perpetrators, which often overlook the systemic issues that contribute to hate crimes including systemic racism or xenophobia, and a lack of awareness about hate crimes are notable loopholes. Among others, cultural attitudes and societal norms often play a crucial role in shaping the government response to hate crimes, which kill hundreds of people every year globally, making it sometimes difficult to tackle hate crimes in different countries.
There are also underlying socio-economic, political and other factors that lead to hate crimes in different countries. Prejudice and discrimination, often fueled by deep-seated biases and stereotypes against specific racial, ethnic, religious or social groups, are crucial factors that foster a condition of intolerance. Additionally, hate crimes are influenced by the desire to assert power and control over marginalized communities and the repression of ethnic, religious and racial groups in different countries. Among others, race and ethnicity based economic disparities and inequalities — which often contribute to feelings of resentment and frustration — lead some individuals to target other groups in different countries.
It is definitely desired that steps be taken to address hate crimes in different countries, even if it is difficult to prevent all hate crimes. But it is crucial for governments, organizations and individuals to come together to address the problem of hate crimes. Increasing penalties for hate crimes and ensuring swift and fair justice for victims can also serve as a deterrent and send a strong message against hate crimes. Among others, creating awareness and increasing tolerance and acceptance are also imperative to successfully fighting hate crimes in different countries.
Amir M Sayem
Chief Editor
Dhaka Opinion Magazine
