Joint statement following anti-migrant attacks

August 6, 2024: Joint statement following anti-migrant attacks

QARN is a signatory to this statement: As organisations based across the UK working with refugees and migrants, we are deeply shocked and devastated by these horrific acts of violence. Racism, Islamophobia and hatred against migrants have no place in our country.

We stand in solidarity with the men, women and children affected, many of whom have already fled unimaginable horrors to try to find safety. And we stand together as a sector and with our communities to offer support. We know that these views and acts of violence do not represent the vast majority of people in this country.

It is right that the government has clearly condemned these attacks. But we urgently need action, today, to ensure that local authorities have the right resources to ensure those under threat of attack in asylum accommodation, refugee service centres and places of worship are properly protected.

This moment must mark a turning point, away from the divisive politics, racist rhetoric and demonising language of the past. Now is an opportunity to bring communities and the country together for a different way forward – one that is compassionate and united.

Today (6^th August 2024) over 240 charities who work with refugee and asylum seekers, including those who represent faith communities, have signed a statement condemning the violent anti-migrant attacks that have been taking place around the country.

The signatories are from national, local and grass roots organisations across the UK including Asylum Matters, City of Sanctuary, Choose Love, Freedom from Torture, Human Rights Watch, NACCOM, Rainbow Migration, Refugee Action, Refugee Council, Safe Passage International, Scottish Refugee Council, Shelter, Welsh Refugee Council, Crisis, Doctors of the World UK and Women for Refugee Women.

The statement, coordinated by campaign coalition Together With Refugees, states: “Racism, Islamophobia and hatred against migrants have no place in our country.”

It goes on to say: “We stand in solidarity with the men, women and children affected, many of whom have already fled unimaginable horrors to try to find safety. And we stand together as a sector and with our communities to offer support. We know that these views and acts of violence do not represent the vast majority of people in this country.”

The charities are calling for urgent action to ensure that local authorities have the right resources to properly protect those under threat of attack in asylum accommodation, refugee service centres and places of worship.

Finally the statement says: “This moment must mark a turning point, away from the divisive politics, racist rhetoric and demonising language of the past. Now is an opportunity to bring communities and the country together for a different way forward – one that is compassionate and united.”

One of the organisations who signed the statement is Asylum Link Merseyside, who said: “As a charity working in the Liverpool area for decades we are shocked and dismayed by the violent threats towards our staff, volunteers and service users, and the potential damage to our neighbourhood. Counteracting this is the massive upsurge of support our community has offered, both physical and moral: we are not alone and hate will never win.”

Signatory Leila Zadeh, Spokesperson for Together With Refugees and CEO of Rainbow Migration, had to flee Iran with her family as a baby and found safety in the UK. She said: “These horrific scenes of hatred and violence are terrifying – but we know the despicable acts of a few do not represent the vast majority. The huge show of solidarity from communities standing with those under attack is who we really are in this country. Now we have an opportunity to make something positive and uniting from these terrible acts. We must turn away from the hostile and divisive politics of the past and bring communities together, to build a united Britain – where everyone feels safe and welcome.”

Signatory Sabir Zazai, Spokesperson for Together With Refugees, CEO of Scottish Refugee Council Sabir Zazai and a former refugee, said: “It’s been deeply shocking and disturbing to see the horrors of the last few days unfold. As a former refugee this is not my experience of people across the UK. For the most part I’ve been welcomed and made to feel safe and at home here. But right now, many of us are feeling frightened and shaken, including people who were born and raised here.

“Attacks on hotels where people seeking safety are left terrorised and re-traumatised is something I never thought we would see in the UK. Similarly, the attacks on places of worship. As a Muslim, I am proud to be part of a group of people working to rebuild and secure the future of a Christian cathedral. All places of faith are symbols of hope and community, and we all have a duty to keep these places safe.

“We need to look urgently now at how we rebuild and mend the divisions these rioters have sown. There is work for the government but there is also a choice for all of us, to show solidarity, to build bridges between communities and reflect the country we want to live in. One where racism and hatred is not welcome.”

ENDS