The murder of Lassana Cisse shocked me, it caused me to consider how such a heinous crime could happen at the heart of our community. It made me wonder why, in a country known for its hospitality, for its Christian religious tradition and for its altruism, this horrendous and shameful murder generated much thought but very limited action to tackle existing issues of xenophobia and racism.

It is difficult to describe my feelings and thoughts upon first hearing of Lassana’s murder, and of the two other men who were badly injured in the same crime.

Attending the gathering to remember Lassana’s murder in Ħal-Far a few weeks ago, I was vexed that a murder had happened, and all were convinced that it was racially motivated.

When the news that the accused had been identified was announced, I felt perplexed and confused, what I took for granted for so long, is no more.

That racial hate has hit our islands makes me wonder what kind of society we are living in. Since then I asked myself many questions.

Are there more amongst us who would kill a man or woman in cold blood because of their colour? Are there more amongst us who look at another being with no humane feelings? Are there more amongst us who have let hate dominate all other emotions?

What kind of a society are we living in? What is happening to us as Europeans? How can we safeguard the fish that live in our seas, yet hate someone because of their colour or creed? Who are we?

We know that other forms of brutality, harassment and bullying have been experienced by migrants, refugees, asylum seekers and those considered as ‘other’.

We also know of the regular bullying taking place in our schools towards children who are considered different because of their colour or beliefs.

That such horrendous racial hate has hit our islands makes me wonder what kind of society we are living in

Lassana’s murder is a warning signal, an alarm bell that not all is well. No more time is to be lost. We urgently need to examine and reflect on our national conscience.

Today, June 20, the United Nations observes World Refugee Day. The theme chosen for this year is #StepWithRefugees, challenging us to join together and take a step with refugees.

We each have a part to play in taking a step with refugees.

I urge our politicians to listen to our civil society organisations who work tirelessly to assist migrants, refugees and asylum seekers, against all odds.

I urge them to make sure that public officers and the security forces are sensitized to issues of racism, xenophobia and diversity, so that all are aware of the importance of their responsibility towards ensuring the enjoyment of human rights for all.

I urge our politicians and our authorities to ensure that these issues are integrated into all public functions and operations.

I also urge our politicians to listen to our brothers and sisters who seek refuge in our midst, and to move away from tokenism towards effective action.

I urge civil society activists to persist in their work. Some within our communities are confused and need guidance. Some need to build resilience, through rediscovering a sense of respect.

I urge media houses who use selective wording in a bid to be sensational and secure more reach, to refrain from such an approach. The media has a responsibility to give visibility to the good which migrants bring to our community and to sideline attempts from actors vying for coverage, at the expense of migrants.

I urge those businesses who exploit migrants to stop treating them as second-class human beings.

All businesses must provide migrant employees with equal conditions. They must not only acknowledge that migrants have the same rights to work and quality employment, but also appreciate that they help businesses to grow and prosper.

I turn to our children. I ask you to continue celebrating diversity, friendship, inclusion and your positive attitude towards other children of different religion or beliefs.

Continue to show us that you stand for equality, inclusion, social justice and equity.

I must also acknowledge the empowering initiatives that many of our school teachers are taking to transmit these important values.

My hope lies in our children. Each and every one of us must endeavour to take a #StepWithRefugees. This is what humanity is about – peaceful coexistence.

Peace is not the absence of war. Peace is about respect and our belief in holding high human dignity, now and always.

Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca, President Emeritus andChair of the Malta Foundation for the Well-Being of Society.

This is a Times of Malta print opinion piece