“Racism, Islamophobia and hatred against migrants have no place in our country”
BY ELIZABETH HOPWOOD, IMAGE BY PEXELS
Amidst the current racist riots across the UK, Rainbow Migration has spoken out in solidarity with immigrants and asylum seekers.
The organisation, which supports LGBTQIA people through the asylum and immigration system, signed an official statement yesterday as part of the Together With Refugees coalition yesterday, alongside over 240 charities.
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.
The statement states: “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.”
“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.”
There are then powerful quotes from charity members stating the detrimental effects the riots have had. The full statement is available on the Together With Refugees website.
The violence first started in Southport on 30 July after Axel Rudakubana was accused of stabbing and killing three young girls at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class. Before the suspect was even named, false claims that the alleged attacker was Muslim were spread online.
Since then, mosques and hotels used to house asylum seekers in several towns and cities have been targeted by far-right violence. Rioters have taken to the streets, looting shops and setting cars on fire.
Signatory Leila Zadeh, Spokesperson for Together With Refugees and Executive Director 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 unite 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.”
Rainbow Migration said this violence makes people seeking safety with them, including LGBTQIA people, feel even more unwelcome and unsafe.
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