Racial attacks have decreased dramatically due to public awareness and the campaign to stamp out racism, a pressure group has claimed.
The Anti-Racism Network (ARN), which co-ordinated last Tuesday's rally against racism at Belfast City Hall, said it knew of just one attack in south Belfast in the past 10 days. The area has witnessed a growing spate of attacks on the homes of families from ethnic minorities in the past three years.
PSNI figures point to a rise in racial attacks from 133 in 2001-2 to 222 so far in 2003-4. Police say there is a related rise in what they call "racial incidents", which include name-calling and other forms of abuse which fall short of a crime.
However, a PSNI representative admitted the police service "was hearing fewer reports now". "The perception is that they're falling," The Irish Times was told.
He added that the claim cannot be substantiated until official statistics are finalised later this year.
Mr Davy Carlin, an ARN spokesman and organiser, said the movement was beginning to organise outside Belfast, and planning a series of events to highlight the anti-racism campaign.
"We have solicitors examining a host of issues. We're looking at current legislation, and the manner in which the Housing Executive addresses ethnic minorities. We're also highlighting the criminalising of asylum-seekers by detaining them in prisons like Maghaberry and Magilligan."
Housing Executive statistics point to some 30 families in the past 12 months having to move because of racist attacks or intimidation.
The ARN will mark Race Awareness Week in March with music concerts called "Love music - hate racism". Mr Carlin said Hot Press magazine was considering a free CD on the cover of an issue to add impetus to the campaign. It was also hoped to organise an outdoor concert next summer, perhaps in Belfast's Botanic Gardens.
He said he was pleased with the turnout at Tuesday's City Hall rally which attracted up to 2,000 protesters. He also claimed the political parties were supportive of the campaign.
Established last summer to counter a move against plans to build a mosque in Craigavon, Co Armagh, the ARN has also held a pre-Christmas vigil highlighting the plight of ethnic minorities.
The ARN is hoping to establish branches in Derry; Dungannon, Co Tyrone; and Craigavon, Co Armagh. Mr Carlin denied that racism was rooted only in loyalist areas, claiming all areas were liable and that "a collective stand is needed".
Tuesday's rally was planned to coincide with the UK Holocaust day of remembrance which was held in Belfast.
Organisers said the staging of the rally shortly before the ceremony in memory of those who died in the Holocaust and in the genocide in Rwanda 10 years ago would serve as a warning that small acts of intolerance can escalate into mass murder.