Civil Society Warns of Escalating Hate and Violence: Calls for Coordinated, Human Rights-Based National Action

Following the arrests in Laois and Down of two men suspected of involvement in a violent far-right organisation, the Coalition Against Hate Crime has warned that Ireland faces a growing and deeply concerning threat of hate-driven extremism, violence, racism, intolerance, and harassment.

The Coalition, representing 22 civil society organisations working to combat hate, said these developments underline the urgent need for a whole-of-government, human rights compliant approach to confront hate, intolerance, and extremism in all their forms.

“These arrests are a stark reminder that hate can take root and grow when it goes unchallenged. Hate, intimidation, and violence targeting international protection applicants, LGBTQI+ people, disabled people, Travellers, Roma, and other racialised or minoritised groups have become an alarming feature of public life. These are not isolated incidents. They are connected, escalating, and deeply harmful to the fabric of our democracy,” the Coalition said.

While acknowledging the work of An Garda Síochána and the PSNI in preventing harm, the Coalition emphasised that a criminal justice approach alone cannot solve this problem, and must be complemented by other important actions.

“We need a sustained, coordinated national response, not a reactionary or short-term approach. Developing and implementing a comprehensive National Action Plan on Hate will be crucial. This must be a whole-of-government and whole-of-society effort that strengthens prevention, promotes inclusion, and addresses the underlying drivers of hate. We also urgently need the full and effective implementation of the Criminal Justice (Hate Offences) Act 2024, the modernisation of the Prohibition of Incitement to Hatred Act 1989, and decisive action to tackle online hate, misinformation, and disinformation.”

The Coalition urged the Government to act decisively and collaboratively, calling for coordinated, rights-based action to:

1. Develop and implement a National Action Plan Against Hate, in partnership with affected communities. This should go beyond the criminal, be grounded in human rights, and aligned with Council of Europe standards on combatting hate speech and hate crime.
2. Fully implement the Criminal Justice (Hate Offences) Act 2024 to ensure hate crimes are recognised, investigated and prosecuted effectively.
3. Modernise the Prohibition of Incitement to Hatred Act 1989, ensuring Ireland’s approach to addressing incitement to hatred meets international human rights standards.
4. Deliver a coordinated, evidence-informed, and human rights-compliant national strategy to tackle online hate, misinformation, and disinformation, including robust regulation and accountability of online platforms, and clear roles for government, regulators, and civil society in prevention, enforcement, and education.
5. Invest in prevention, education, and community support, including initiatives that promote digital literacy, empathy, civic responsibility, and the capacity of communities and institutions to prevent and respond to hate.

“A coordinated national response must combine legislative reform with education, prevention, and meaningful community engagement. Preventing hate and extremism requires more than policing. It demands education, leadership, and investment in communities. Schools, youth programmes, and public institutions must be equipped to build understanding and counter misinformation,” the Coalition added.

The Coalition reaffirmed that action to counter hate and extremism must protect, not undermine, fundamental rights and freedoms.

“A human rights-based approach recognises that freedom of expression, the right to safety, equality, and freedom from discrimination are all essential and mutually reinforcing. Hate crimes and incitement to hatred are not expressions of free speech. They are violations of rights that threaten the safety and participation of others. Protecting these rights is essential to sustaining a democratic and inclusive society,” the Coalition said.

The Coalition also expressed solidarity with communities that continue to face hate and harassment, saying their voices and experiences must shape the State’s response.

“We stand in solidarity with all those who have been targeted by hate and violence. Their safety, dignity, and participation must be at the heart of Ireland’s strategy.”

The Coalition noted that the Garda Commissioner’s upcoming appearance before the Oireachtas Justice, Home Affairs and Migration Committee provides an opportunity to clarify how State institutions intend to respond to the specific, growing threat of the far right, hate and extremism.

“This is a moment for leadership. Ireland can and must act decisively to safeguard the dignity, safety, and equality of all who live here, and to strengthen the democratic values that bind us together.”

Who are the Coalition Against Hate Crime Ireland

The Coalition Against Hate Crime Ireland comprises 22 civil society organisations representing communities commonly targeted by hate crime and hate speech in Ireland, as well as human rights organisations: Belong To – LGBTQ+ Youth Ireland; Doras; Dublin LGBTQ+ Pride; Immigrant Council of Ireland; Inclusion Ireland; Independent Living Movement Ireland; Intersex Ireland; Irish Council for Civil Liberties; Irish Council for International Students; Irish Network Against Racism; Irish Traveller Movement; LGBT Ireland; LGBT Travellers; Nasc – Migrant and Refugee Rights Centre; National LGBT Federation; National Traveller Women’s Forum; National Women’s Council; National Youth Council of Ireland; Outhouse LGBTQ+ Centre; Pavee Point Traveller & Roma Centre; Sport Against Racism Ireland; and Transgender Equality Network Ireland.