12th June 2026
Like many of us, I have been shocked and saddened to see the scenes of violence and unrest unfolding in Belfast over the last few days. My heart goes out to the families of the victim of the initial crime which sparked the unrest and to the families, children and young people who are now feeling scared and unsafe in the face of targeted attacks against individuals deemed to be ‘migrants’ or foreign.
Sadly, particularly due to the use of social media, fear and unrest spreads quickly, and I know that children in Wales are also feeling scared and unsafe. I call on all those in a position of responsibility and power to ensure that their words and actions help to calm tensions, challenge misinformation and provide reassurance to all communities, particularly those who feel most vulnerable at this time.
These events have also prompted me to reflect on the progress made in Wales since the publication of my spotlight report ‘Take It Seriously: Children’s experiences of Racism within Secondary Schools’. That report set out clear recommendations to drive meaningful change and to ensure that children and young people experience an education system, and wider society, that is actively anti-racist.
In light of recent events, it is vital that Welsh Government provides clear reassurance to children and young people across Wales that this commitment remains steadfast. No child or young person should feel unsafe, excluded or fearful because of their identity, background or perceived difference. We must redouble our efforts to ensure that the ambition of an anti-racist Wales is not only maintained but accelerated.
There is no place for racism, hatred or violence in our society. We all have a collective responsibility to stand against division and to support one another, especially children and young people who may be struggling to understand what they are seeing and hearing.
At moments like this, visible leadership and clear messaging are essential. I urge Welsh Government to reaffirm its commitment to tackling racism in all its forms, to demonstrate how it is continuing to act on the recommendations already set out, and to provide clear reassurance to children and young people across Wales that they are safe, valued and protected.
Campaigns such as ‘Hate Hurts Wales’ have an important role to play in this work, helping to challenge discrimination, support those affected, and promote understanding and unity. It is crucial that those messages reach children and young people through their schools, communities and channels of communications which they are using. It is vital that these efforts are amplified so that children and young people know that they are supported and that hate has no place in Wales.
I want to reaffirm our commitment to standing alongside those affected, to listening carefully to the concerns of children and young people, and to working with partners to ensure their safety, wellbeing and sense of belonging.