Understand
Ipswich event raises awareness of issues faced by Roma families
Overview
An event held in Ipswich as part of Hate Crime Awareness Week brought together about 60 participants, including police, teachers, and Roma families, to address discrimination and hate crimes. Organised by the Suffolk Law Centre and Union Romani Voice, the conference highlighted the daily challenges, hate, and division experienced by the Roma community, and provided guidance on reporting hate incidents.
Key points
- Simona Lazar, CEO of Union Romani Voice, stated that the Roma community faces hate and division daily, exacerbated by post-Brexit uncertainties and recent anti-immigrant demonstrations.
- The conference in Ipswich was organised in partnership with the Suffolk Law Centre and attended by about 60 people, including police, teachers, and community members.
- Human rights lawyer Julie Baker noted that discrimination spans health, education, and public services, and urged people to report hate crimes quickly before they escalate.
- Participants made a 'No Hate in Suffolk' pledge and attended presentations covering hate crime reporting, housing discrimination, and inclusion in schools.
- Suffolk Police data indicates that reported hate crimes and incidents fell from 1,233 cases in 2021-22 to 871 in 2025-26, though national government figures show an upward trend across England and Wales.