There is "no place for racism in Northern Ireland", First Minister Michelle O’Neill has said.
She was speaking after a meeting of Executive ministers at Stormont Castle to discuss recent scenes of violent disorder on the streets of Belfast.
Members of the Northern Ireland Assembly also expressed their views on the issue at a special sitting this afternoon.
They debated a motion condemning "criminal damage and targeting of businesses in recent days".
The motion also called on Ms O'Neill and Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly to finalise the draft refugee integration strategy and associated delivery plan, to bring forward the renewed Race Relations Order, and set out the process of replacing the racial equality strategy 2015-25 by the end of this year.
Outside Parliament Buildings at Stormont, the Irish Congress of Trade Unions led a rally in opposition to the rioting seen in Belfast on Saturday, Monday and Tuesday evenings following anti-immigration protests.
Police and members of the public were attacked and two businesses, owned by those from a minority ethnic background, were destroyed in south Belfast. There was also incidents in north and west Belfast.
There was further disorder last night, with police coming under attack in east Belfast.
Five arrests were made after bins were set alight, blocking Connswater Street, and officers came under attack. One police officer was injured.
There have been a total of 17 arrests to date.
PSNI requests officers from Britain to combat violence
The Police Service of Northern Ireland said it has asked for support from British forces, submitting a request to the National Police Coordination Centre for additional officers to assist the policing operation.
Temporary Assistant Chief Constable Melanie Jones said the officers would provide vital resilience and support and be given all necessary equipment and familiarisation training.
It comes amid widespread disorder across the UK which was sparked by misinformation spread online following the fatal stabbing of three girls in Southport.
Earlier this week, Chief Constable Jones said a paramilitary element is suspected of coordinating violence in Belfast.
On Monday, four men linked to disorder on Saturday appeared in court, while a 15-year-old boy was charged with rioting yesterday.
Following the Executive meeting, Ms O'Neill, Ms Little-Pengelly, and PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher spoke to media.
Ms O’Neill said ministers are "unequivocally collective in our determination to say no to racism, and stand firmly united in terms of what we see unfolding in front of us".
"There is no place in our society for racism in any of its forms.
"The racist attacks on people, on businesses and homes are absolutely wrong, and have created such a deep fear. A fear that I think perhaps none of us have ever seen before among many parts of our community," she said.
"There are many people feeling extremely vulnerable, feeling fearful, fearful for their families.
"We have mothers who are afraid to walk their children to the park, we have children who are afraid to go to youth clubs and to schemes. We have healthcare workers that are afraid to go to work. We have nurses that are afraid to go home and that is not acceptable.
"That is the real, human impact of this type of activity, this type of racist activity in our society. It speaks volumes in terms of hate because that is what it is and it must stop.
"Those responsible must and will face the full rigours of the force of the law."
Ms Little-Pengelly added: "We want our minority communities to know that we are fully supportive of those incredible people throughout our community, from right across this globe, coming here to Northern Ireland and providing really good services to people here.
"It is deeply disturbing to hear that some of the healthcare staff, who have come here to Northern Ireland, are considering leaving due to fears for their safety."
Ms Little-Pengelly said there will be a "joint and robust" response to any violence and disorder in Northern Ireland.
"Today, we are collectively sending a strong and united message against violence, disorder and racism.
"We've been engaging throughout the week with the chief constable, with agencies and we will continue to do so.
"Make no mistake, there will be a joint and robust response to any continued disorder," the deputy first minister said.
"Violence is wrong. Disorder is not acceptable. Concerns must always be addressed through democratic processes. We must do everything we have to de-escalate the current situation, and we urge all to work to achieve that.
"We’ve reached out to those who have been affected by the attacks and violence and offering our full support."
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Northern Ireland Secretary of State Hilary Benn condemned "racist violence" in Belfast and stressed that it "does not represent Northern Ireland".
He said it should be a cause of shame that some people do not feel safe in their homes, and urged those behind the disorder to stop.
