Ethnic minorities across Northern Ireland are sharing deeply personal stories of discrimination and fear following a violent summer of riots in Ballymena and ongoing anti-immigration protests throughout the region. With race-related hate crimes reaching their highest levels since official record-keeping began two decades ago, immigrants say they feel increasingly marginalized and unsafe in communities they call home.
Beverley Simpson, a nurse who has lived in Northern Ireland for 20 years, expressed grave concerns to BBC News NI that racism is now "overtaking sectarianism" in the region. Her observations reflect a troubling shift in the social dynamics of Northern Ireland, where religious divisions have historically dominated community tensions. Simpson's experiences highlight the growing challenges faced by ethnic minorities who have built lives and careers in the province.
Artist and photographer Sheila Chakravarti, who has documented life in Northern Ireland for five decades, is using her camera to give voice to those affected by racial attacks through a powerful new photobook project. Rather than portraying victims, Chakravarti's intimate portraits aim to showcase the resilience and dignity of immigrants, asylum seekers, and refugees whose stories are often overlooked or misrepresented in mainstream narratives.
"It happens endlessly," Chakravarti said about being asked where she is "really from," despite her 50-year residence in Northern Ireland. "I don't think I have found anybody who hasn't experienced racism at some level." Her photographic documentation includes images of attacks on community centers, such as the Belfast Multicultural Association incident in 2022, serving as stark visual evidence of the discrimination facing minority communities.
Official statistics from the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) paint a disturbing picture of escalating racial tensions. The data shows 1,329 race-motivated crimes occurred in the 12 months ending June 2025, marking the highest number since records began. This surge contrasts sharply with sectarian incidents, which decreased by 181 cases compared to the previous year, suggesting a significant shift in the nature of hate crimes across the region.
Simpson, who works as a nurse in Londonderry, described facing racism regularly in her professional environment, noting that discrimination can range "sometimes subtle, or it can be open." Despite acknowledging growing awareness of racial issues, she warned of "a very proactive anti-immigrant movement" in Northern Ireland that is becoming increasingly "serious and very committed to spreading misinformation" about newcomers to the region.
Dr. Mukesh Chugh, a consultant anesthetist at Altnagelvin Hospital with nearly 20 years of experience, described the workplace racism he and his colleagues face as "emotionally draining." He reported that medical professionals have been subjected to verbal abuse, including being told to "go back to your country," and some patients have refused care based solely on their healthcare provider's ethnicity or country of origin.
"It feels like the societal tensions we've seen in the news are starting to show up in everyday life," Dr. Chugh explained. "People are more anxious and, sadly, more willing to express racist attitudes openly." He characterized the rise in race hate crimes as "deeply concerning" and emphasized that it "reminds us how much work still needs to be done to build understanding and respect."
The healthcare professional noted a definitive increase in racist incidents recently, reflecting broader social tensions that have manifested in various forms across Northern Ireland. Despite these challenges, Dr. Chugh said the situation has strengthened his "commitment to treating everyone fairly and advocating for inclusivity wherever I can."
Simpson emphasized the humanitarian aspect of immigration, particularly regarding refugees fleeing conflict zones. "War will bring refugees, there's not much we can do about that, people need safety as a priority and will want to come to a safe country," she explained. She stressed that "what we do to welcome them will impact how they contribute to that society," highlighting the importance of inclusive policies and community attitudes in determining successful integration outcomes.
The experiences documented by Chakravarti's photography project and the testimonies of professionals like Simpson and Dr. Chugh reveal the complex challenges facing Northern Ireland's ethnic minority communities. As the region continues to grapple with this shift from traditional sectarian divisions to racial tensions, community leaders and policymakers face the urgent task of addressing discrimination while fostering greater understanding and acceptance among all residents.
