JANUARY 27 2015 was Holocaust Memorial Day.

Seventy years on from the liberation of Auschwitz it is as important as ever that we remember the Holocaust of the Second World War.

Sadly, there have been other acts of genocide as well.

All of these must be remembered and we must ensure that such acts do not ever happen again.

Holocaust Memorial Day took place at a time of increased tension and suspicion between communities following the terror attacks in Paris.

We in Wales have seen the effects of radicalisation of some sections of society on our communities.

Islam is a peaceful religion which inspires countless acts of generosity every day.

There is a danger that this current climate will set back the National Assembly’s declared aim of creating a fair society free from discrimination, harassment and victimisation.

Better engagement with these communities is vital if we are to root out extremism.

Better collaboration by public bodies working in partnership with third sector organisations and communities is essential if negative attitudes are to be reduced.

We have a duty to improve engagement with our minority communities to root out extremism and promote a peaceful and tolerant society which is in everybody’s interest.

Professor Anthony Glees of Buckingham University warned recently that Islamic State has people who go around schools, campuses and Islamic community centres looking for young people who may be susceptible to radicalisation.

We need the help of the Islamic community in identifying and stopping these recruiters for terrorism.

Closely linked with increased tension and suspicion is the potential for increased incidents of hate crime.

Nineteen local authorities in Wales have set hate crime objectives although all authorities are working on tackling this issue.

This progress is welcome but more needs to be done.

A recent survey revealed that 56 per cent of victims did not report hate crime because they either regarded the incident as too trivial or they did not believe the police could do anything about it.

Victims of hate crime must be encouraged to report incidents.

They must be kept informed of progress in investigating these crimes and provided with the emotional and practical support they require and deserve.

Tackling hate crime is essential if we are to create the tolerant and equal society we all wish to see.