With the annual increase of hate crimes towards people with a disability, UNESCO advocates “learning for lasting peace”.
By Emma Logan | Communications Manager
On International Day of Education, Scottish Disability Sport (SDS) joins UNESCO in their campaign for “learning for lasting peace”, dedicating this year’s global day to highlighting the crucial role education plays in countering hate speech.
Education can play a key role in raising awareness about disability whilst challenging misconceptions and stereotypes to create a more inclusive and safe society. However, recent years have seen people with a disability living in the UK experiencing an increase in hate crimes, highlighting the need for further societal education.
According to the COPFS’ Hate Crime in Scotland 2022-23 report, “In 2022-23, 722 charges were reported with an aggravation of prejudice relating to disability, 3% more than in 2021-22.”
The Minister for Equalities, Migration and Refugees, Emma Roddick MSP, said: “The Scottish Government is clear that discrimination or prejudice of any kind is unacceptable and must be addressed quickly whenever it arises.
“The Scottish Government is committed to building a Scotland where everyone lives free from hatred and prejudice, and where our communities are empowered, inclusive and safe.”
COPFS’ report also states that the increase of charges is: “the highest number of charges reported since the legislation creating this aggravation came into force in 2010 and follows an increase of over 50% in the number of charges reported in 2021-22 compared to 2020-21.”
Former Young Person’s Sport Panel and Para athlete, Stefan Hoggan-Radu, explained how bullying at school influenced his decision to become a politician, “I hated the injustice, especially around disabled people and I felt like we weren’t represented properly. I got bullied a lot in school and I wanted to make a difference,” said Hoggan-Radu.
The current Councillor for Cupar continued to say, “I wanted to use that [public speaking skills] to help other people and try and stop bullying and stop injustice.”
To combat the increase of hate crimes throughout the UK, the Scottish Government launched the Hate Crime Strategy Delivery Plan in November 2023.
Emma Roddick MSP said that the plan, “sets out our immediate actions over the next two years in support of Scotland’s Hate Crime Strategy. Importantly, it was informed by communities with lived experience of hate crime, including disabled people”.
Find out more about UNESCO’s International Day of Education, along with resources and social media post content here.
COPFS’ Hate Crime in Scotland 2023-24 report will be published in June 2024.