NLIHC joined a solidarity statement led by the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights condemning hate crimes against Asians and Asian Americans. The statement was drafted in response to the increase in hate crimes against Asians and Asian Americans and the March 16 mass shooting in Atlanta that left eight people dead, six of whom were women of Asian descent.
Since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, there has been a 150% increase in reported violence and harassment against Asians and Asian Americans, with women twice as likely to report being a target of harassment or violence than men.
“The civil and human rights community condemns these misogynistic and racist attacks and is united with our local allies in demanding community-centered responses to better support Asian women and elders, who have been disproportionately impacted by the increase in violence,” the letter states. “These responses must include increased culturally informed support for survivors and the broader community; meaningful physical and mental health care access, including for all immigrants; and economic assistance that focuses on those who need it most.”
The letter also calls on elected officials and community leaders to “acknowledge and address the impact of hateful rhetoric, violence, and vitriol that have been directed at Asian Americans,” and to “ensure Asian American communities…have the resource to effectively support people targeted for hate.”
Read the full statement here: https://tinyurl.com/brd7b32y