Statement on the Racist Bus Attack in Pakuranga
TW: Violence and Racism
On 28 June, a 16-year-old student was violently assaulted on a bus in East Auckland, after the attacker yelled racial slurs. Reports suggest this was motivated by racism against Asian communities in Aotearoa.
The Asian Legal Network is disturbed and saddened by this violence. Our thoughts are with the victim, the whānau and the East Auckland Asian communities. Our thanks also go to the 75-year-old who intervened to stop the attack.
This is not an isolated incident. Asian communities face increasing violence and abuse and have endured many instances of state-driven discrimination in Aotearoa. This violence is not taken seriously, and requires a meaningful response to protect Asian communities.
We make three observations from this horrific incident:
The Government has enabled a climate of racial hostility and has actively undermined the tools to address racism. This includes legal responses to hate crime and hate speech. If this Government fails to act, more of these incidents will happen.
We must address the drivers of racism, and use evidence-based criminal justice policies. This incident does not justify a blanket tough-on-crime approach, which will ultimately make our communities less safe.
Only transformation of our criminal justice system will deliver long-lasting safety for our communities.
To those in our Asian communities who have faced racism or who want to join our cause, please get in touch. The ALN’s advocacy on this issue will be unwavering.
Read our full statement here.
For more information visit our website (www.asianlegalnetwork.org.nz) or email us at contact@asianlegalnetwork.org.nz