Dublin, Ireland – Aug 5, 2024 – The Irish Muslim Peace and Integration Council is deeply saddened by the recent wave of violence and attacks targeting Muslim-owned businesses in Belfast and other cities in the North of Ireland. As an all-Ireland organisation dedicated to policy, advocacy, and bridge building, we strongly condemn these heinous acts of racism, Islamophobia, and violence. We are deeply shocked and saddened by the recent knife attack on children in Southport, England. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families, and everyone affected by this tragic incident. It is troubling to see how the far-right has used this incident to spread hatred and misinformation about Muslims. The attacker was wrongly identified by far-right individuals as a refugee Muslim but was later found to be a British-born 17-year-old Christian choir boy, Axel Rudakubana. Irrespective of the faith of the criminal, it is unacceptable to blame the entire faith community for the actions of one individual. The ongoing riots and rise of far-right extremism fuelled by disinformation and misleading information have led to a dangerous climate where minorities,