I welcome this annual review, which identifies seven key equality and human rights challenges. I want to address in my brief contribution today one of those challenges: the elimination of violence, abuse and harassment in the community, and I particularly want to address the issue of Islamophobia, and antisemitism in the same way.

There were 500 more hate crimes in Wales this year compared to last year. That is a staggering figure, and we must stop it. This represents a rise of more than 22 per cent in Wales, and the majority of them were racially motivated—more than 2,000 incidents across Wales, mainly in the South Wales Police area. Offences tend to increase following terrorist attacks such as the ones at Westminster bridge and the Parsons Green tube bombing. In such circumstances, it is natural for people to look to the politicians and ask what we are doing to tackle hate crimes in Wales.

We sometimes overlook what our Muslim communities are doing to reassure people and encourage greater cohesion between the communities. Following the Parsons Green tube attacks a number of arrests were made across the country, including in Cardiff and Newport. A member of Al Noor mosque in Newport moved to reassure people that they had nothing to worry about, that a strong and diverse local community spirit would be continued. The mosque's general secretary, Mr Abdul Rahman Mujahid, issued a powerful statement totally condemning the bombing, and he went on to say, in his words:

'These people do not represent our views, all of us are British and Britain is our home where we have chosen to live and bring up our families, we support and enhance diversity.'

He keeps on saying:

'All communities live together happily in Newport and we respect each other’s belief and faith. Nowhere in Muslim religion...is it stated to hurt innocent people.'

That is not in Islam, and we don't agree with it.

Presiding Officer, I fully endorse these sentiments. This is an example of positive action being taken by a community to allay the negative impression being conveyed. Only last week, the Muslim Council of Wales organised a wonderful event in City Hall, Cardiff. Some of my colleagues were there. Jane Hutt was given a great service to the community award there. The fact is there were Jews, Muslims, Christians and every other ethnic minority hierarchy—the Archbishop of Wales, the chief Muslim Imam from Europe was there, and other dignitaries were there. As a matter of fact, we should celebrate our festivities together, and we must from the top down go towards the schools and the children must understand and enjoy our festivities, like Christmas coming—so, Muslims, Jews, Christians and everybody must enjoy it. Similarly, our Eids and our—.

So, what I saw last week is one example. Saleem Kidwai and the Muslim Council of Wales are doing a wonderful job. My point there is: why can't we have some sort of linkage, as Julie just mentioned? A commissioner, or some link or threads towards one focus point where all the communities can not only understand each other, but educate and celebrate each other's festivities. That is the point I want to make, Presiding Officer. I fully endorse these sentiments, and this is an example that has already been mentioned by Newport Imams. I call on Muslim communities all over Wales to reach out and engage with other faiths and other communities to promote greater cohesion. And not only Muslims—all other communities, I mean. In this way, Presiding Officer, we can tackle the surge of hate crime in Wales forever, and for our next generation.