（Boston Orange綜合編譯）美國亞裔促進正義會 (Asian Americans Advancing Justice，簡稱AAJC) 今（8月6）日發佈聲明，聲稱聯邦調查局 (FBI) 公佈的最新數據，儘管顯示仇恨犯罪案件的整體數量略有下降，但針對亞裔美國人和太平洋島民的仇恨事件數量仍舊「高得驚人」。
根據聯邦調查局的2024年度全國仇恨犯罪統計數據，2024 年共有 11,679 起仇恨犯罪事件，在該局有這類數據以來的記錄中，高居第二位。但是，儘管整體的仇恨罪案數量從 2023 年的 11,041 宗降至 2024 年的 10,873宗 ，下降約1.5%，針對某些特定族裔的仇恨犯罪案數量，卻創下了歷史新高。
AAJC 反仇恨計畫主任Sim J. Singh Attariwala 指出，儘管從 2023 年到 2024 年，反亞裔仇恨犯罪事件下降了 6.8%，但針對亞裔美國人的仇恨事件總數仍然高得驚人。他表示，2024 年是 有記錄以來反亞裔仇恨犯罪事件數量第三高的一年。目前反亞裔仇恨犯罪事件的數量幾乎是 疫情前平均水平的三倍，而且多半涉及暴力襲擊、身體和言語恐嚇。此外，針對夏威夷原住民和太平洋島民的仇恨事件以及反佛教徒的犯罪也有所增加。
AAJC 強調，FBI 記錄在案的反亞裔仇恨犯罪統計數據僅是冰山一角。許多受害者因為恐懼、恥辱感以及對執法部門缺乏信任而選擇不報告仇恨犯罪，許多執法機構也未向 FBI 報告這些事件，以致FBI的數據未能完全反映現實情況。
AAJC 敦促各界採取果斷行動，呼籲 FBI 系統性地改進其數據收集流程，以確保所有受害者都能「被看見、被統計和被承認」。
Asian Americans Hate Incidents Remain Alarmingly High According to Newly Released FBI Hate Crime Data
Washington, DC – The FBI released its annual hate crime statistics today and the data indicate some troubling realities. The overall data show record-high numbers across several categories and ethnicities – the second largest total since the FBI began keeping the statistics.
While there has been a slight decrease in reported hate crimes, the situation for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders remains quite alarming.
In response to those concerns, Sim J. Singh Attariwala, Director of Anti-Hate Programs at Asian Americans Advancing Justice – AAJC, issues the following statement:
“Despite a 6.8% decline in anti-Asian hate crime incidents from 2023 to 2024, the total number of hate incidents towards Asian Americans is still alarmingly high with 2024 marking one of the worst years for anti-Asian hate crimes on record – the third highest Asian American hate crime incidents in history. Anti-Asian hate crime incidents are nearly three times higher than pre-pandemic averages.
The persistent attacks against our community point to a troubling societal trend and the need for the FBI to make systemic improvements to their data collection processes. The majority of incidents range from violent assaults to physical and verbal intimidation. Furthermore, we are witnessing rising incidents of hate against Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islanders, along with increases in anti-Buddhist offenses.
These FBI hate crime statistics reflect only the tip of the iceberg because many victims do not report hate crimes due to fear, stigma, and lack of trust in law enforcement— and because many law enforcement agencies themselves fail to report hate crimes to the FBI. It is imperative that we confront these challenges head-on. We must push for a comprehensive and inclusive approach to data collection and ensure that both victims and communities targeted by hate crimes are supported and empowered to come forward. They must also be given the dignity of being seen, counted, and acknowledged in our national statistics.
We urge Congress to take decisive action by appropriating funds to implement the full extent of COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act, reinstating hate crime prevention grants, and passing the Improving Reporting to Prevent Hate Act. We also call for sustained efforts in language-accessible and culturally competent prevention and victim support resources, as well as community peacekeeping services offered by the Department of Justice’s Community Relations Service.
Only through dedicated efforts and advocacy can we begin to shift the narrative and create a safer environment for all communities.”
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