Racist and other forms of hate crime are a commonplace in Ireland, according to Members of Action Against Racism.

A minority ethnic group will dress up as love hearts and offer free hugs to members of the public in Dublin today to highlight their "Love Not Hate" campaign.

The group is calling the next government to enact a hate crime bill.

"Who lives here belongs here, and we would like this to be recognised by the government," said Aga Wiesyk of ENAR.

"Ireland has so many diverse people living here - if we don't have legislation that reflects that, it's like pretending something doesn't exist that is here already," she added.

She said most victims of racism are scared to report the crimes: