There is a need for more action on racism, Northern Ireland's First Minister and deputy First Minister have said, as the Executive issued a joint statement on racist and sectarian attacks.
Speaking at a press conference, First Minister Michelle O’Neill said "words are important" but added that they need to be back up with "actions".
Ms O’Neill said the Executive "stands very much in solidarity" with all victims of racist attacks in recent weeks.
"Together as an Executive, we want to say in a very united way, how we condemn completely these disgraceful incidents.
"No family should have to barricade themselves inside for their safety. Nobody should be terrified to live in our society. And everybody’s entitled to feel safe and to be safe, and live free from threat or intimidation," she said.
Ms O’Neill said a "small minority of people who are causing havoc" need to be dealt with by a policing response.
She said that the incidents do not reflect the vast majority of people in society and said: "It needs to be dealt with at a criminal level."
Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said intimidation and violence "is totally unacceptable".
"Any threat or any intimidation of any person in Northern Ireland is absolutely wrong, no matter what that is motivated by.
"By issuing an Executive statement today, we are demonstrating our determination to work together to ensure that people can be safe," Ms Little-Pengelly added.
"More is required in terms of that action on the ground," she added.
Ms Little-Pengelly said the racist attacks were not just an issue for Northern Ireland and were also "playing out on the streets" across the UK, Ireland "and beyond".
"The issue of immigration is not going to go away. I believe that this will continue to be a key issue of discussion."
She said many people have "genuine concerns" and are "frustrated" with "irregular migration", but added: "I think it’s incredibly important that the Northern Ireland Executives makes clear that a discussion or a debate about immigration is entirely separate from any threat or intimidation which is completely wrong and never justified."
The Executive said in its statement that it maintains a "zero-tolerance approach" for all forms of hate and intimidation.
It called for "calm across all communities" and said: "We stand united in our condemnation of all forms of racism, sectarianism and hostility towards individuals of different backgrounds.
"All acts of violence and intimidation are abhorrent and have no place in our society. We stand in solidarity with victims and their families. Every person, regardless of race, religion, or background, is entitled to feel safe and free from threat or intimidation."
The Executive also said it will continue to work in partnership with the PSNI, civic leaders, community organisations, and statutory bodies to ensure communities reflect the values of "equality and respect".
In a statement, it said: "Let us move forward together, united against hatred and division, and committed to building a peaceful, inclusive, and shared future for all."
PSNI need to take action if UDA involved in sectarian intimidation
Michelle O’Neill also told reporters that the PSNI needs to take "immediate action" against elements of the UDA if they have been involved in recent sectarian intimidation.
It comes after PSNI Assistant Chief Constable Davy Beck said groups and individuals linked to the UDA have been involved in recent incidents in north Belfast.
"The UDA shouldn’t exist. They should be disbanded and dealt with with the full force of the law and if the PSNI have made an assessment that the UDA are any way involved, then they need to take immediate action," Ms O’Neill said.
Emma Little-Pengelly said she was "totally opposed to the existence of paramilitaries".
She said: "If the PSNI has intelligence about who carried this out, then they need to investigate that thoroughly, they should be making arrests, and they need to tackle this through a criminal justice process."
Ms Little-Pengelly also said the Executive is supporting communities with funding focused on social cohesion.
She said ministers are focused on eliminating "threats and intimidation" from occurring, instead of having a situation where ministers have to "constantly come out and condemn" what has happened.
Accreditation: PA
