14/10/2026
STANDING TOGETHER AGAINST HATE
National Hate Crime Awareness Week Conference 2026
📍 The Hold, Ipswich, Suffolk
📅 Wednesday, 14 October 2026
“NO ONE WAS BORN TO HATE.”
Today, Union Romani Voice , in partnership with Suffolk Law Centre, proudly hosted the Standing Together Against Hate – Hate Crime Awareness Conference
Week at The Hold in Ipswich.
This important event brought together senior representatives of local government, policing, legal services, education, civil society and local communities, united by a shared commitment to tackling hate crime, racism and discrimination across Ipswich and Suffolk.
HONOURED BY THE PRESENCE OF OUR DISTINGUISHED GUESTS
We were privileged to welcome:
• The Mayor of Ipswich, who officially opened the conference.
• Cllr Cathy Frost, Deputy Mayor of Ipswich.
• The High Sheriff of Suffolk, who delivered the closing remarks and supported our collective pledge.
• Tim Passmore, Police and Crime Commissioner for Suffolk.
• Simon Morgan, Head of Communications and Engagement, Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Suffolk.
• PC 271 Katharine Bloom, Suffolk Constabulary.
• Representatives of Suffolk Police.
• Robert Read, University of Suffolk.
• Representatives from Westbourne Academy.
• Julie Baker, Sue Wardell and colleagues from Suffolk Law Centre, our valued conference partners.
• Representatives of community organisations, public services and the wider community.
We were also grateful to our moderator, Steven Smith, and to everyone who contributed to the discussions and programme.
“WE DO NOT TOLERATE HATE CRIME” – TIM PASSMORE
One of the important messages delivered during the conference came from Tim Passmore, Police and Crime Commissioner for Suffolk, who stated:
“WE DO NOT TOLERATE HATE CRIME.”
This clear message reinforced the importance of challenging hatred, protecting victims, encouraging reporting and strengthening trust between communities and the police.
We sincerely appreciate his participation and the commitment expressed to ensuring that hate crime is taken seriously.
“NO ONE WAS BORN TO HATE” – MY MESSAGE
As Chief Executive of Union Romani Voice, my central message was:
“NO ONE WAS BORN TO HATE.”
No child is born with hatred, racism or prejudice. These attitudes are learned, and through education, understanding, compassion and responsible leadership, they can be challenged and changed.
But awareness alone is not enough.
We already have laws designed to protect people from discrimination, racism and hate crime. These laws must not exist only on paper. They must be effectively implemented, consistently enforced and translated into real protection for individuals and communities.
Equality must be experienced in everyday life, not simply promised in legislation.
Every person who experiences hate crime deserves to be heard, taken seriously and supported.
Every child deserves to grow up without fear of racism or discrimination.
Every family deserves to feel safe in their neighbourhood.
And every community deserves dignity, respect and equal protection under the law.
For Roma communities, who have historically experienced prejudice, exclusion and discrimination, these principles are particularly important.
At Union Romani Voice, we witness first-hand the barriers faced by vulnerable individuals and families, including discrimination, language barriers, social exclusion and difficulties accessing public services and justice.
We do not simply need stronger words against hate. We need meaningful action, accountability, effective implementation of the law and lasting change.
OUR COLLECTIVE PLEDGE – HATE IS NOT WELCOME IN IPSWICH & SUFFOLK
One of the most meaningful moments of the conference was our shared commitment:
“HATE IS NOT WELCOME IN IPSWICH & SUFFOLK.”
This pledge represents our collective responsibility to challenge discrimination, support victims of hate crime, promote equality and build safer, more inclusive communities.
The participation of senior public officials, police representatives, legal professionals, educational institutions and community leaders demonstrated the importance of working together.
However, today’s commitment must continue beyond the conference.
We must turn words into practical action, strengthen relationships between communities and institutions, and ensure that those experiencing hatred and discrimination know where to seek help and feel confident in reporting incidents.
OUR COMMITMENT DOES NOT END TODAY
For Union Romani Voice, this conference represents another important step in our ongoing work to promote human rights, equality, community safety and meaningful participation.
Our organisation remains committed to ensuring that Roma communities and other marginalised groups are heard, respected and protected.
We will continue working alongside Suffolk Constabulary, local authorities, legal services, schools and community organisations to challenge prejudice and strengthen trust.
THANK YOU TO OUR PARTNERS AND COMMUNITIES
On behalf of Union Romani Voice, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Mayor and Deputy Mayor of Ipswich, the High Sheriff of Suffolk, Police and Crime Commissioner Tim Passmore, Suffolk Constabulary, the University of Suffolk, Westbourne Academy and all our distinguished guests for their valuable contributions.
A very special thank you to Suffolk Law Centre for its partnership, dedication and collaboration in organising this important conference.
My appreciation also goes to the Union Romani Voice team, our volunteers, community representatives, performers, photographer and everyone who joined us today.
Your presence, your voices and your commitment matter.
Let us ensure that today’s discussions lead to stronger cooperation, greater accountability and meaningful change.
“NO ONE WAS BORN TO HATE.”
— Simona Lazăr, Chief Executive Officer, Union Romani Voice
“WE DO NOT TOLERATE HATE CRIME.”
— Tim Passmore, Police and Crime Commissioner for Suffolk
“HATE IS NOT WELCOME IN IPSWICH & SUFFOLK.”
— Our collective commitment
🤝 UNITED AGAINST HATE. UNITED FOR HUMAN RIGHTS. UNITED FOR A SAFER IPSWICH & SUFFOLK.
Simona Lazăr
Chief Executive Officer
Union Romani Voice
📸 Photography: Tharika Dishani
