Resource

We are horrified and extremely concerned about the far-right racist attacks on asylum hotels and violence against people seeking asylum, refugees, migrants, and minority communities, particularly Muslims.  

These disturbing images and threats of more organised attacks are taking a huge toll on the mental health of the people we work with – those who have survived some of the worst forms of human cruelty and have arrived in the UK in hope of finding protection. It is heartbreaking to witness the fear, disappointment and anger they have been experiencing over the last few days. Organisations supporting people seeking asylum such as law firms and charities like ours are also at heightened risk of far-right violence. 

Large asylum accommodation sites – particularly hotels – have time and again been a target of hostile discussions and patently false depictions. The attacks that we have seen over the weekend are a clear outcome of continued misinformation about these sites. There is no doubt these forms of accommodation are wholly unsuitable for people seeking asylum and must be closed. Until that is possible, we call on the Labour government to provide added security and safeguarding and ensure that those forced to live there have adequate access to wellbeing services.  

The constant vilification, misrepresentation, and scapegoating of people seeking asylum and migrants in our politics and in the media over the years have stoked the anti-migrant, racist and Islamophobic sentiments we are collectively witnessing with great horror. This must stop immediately. All those in positions of power and influence must ensure that that there is a shift in the language and policies on migration and asylum – away from hatred and cruelty. The Labour government must process asylum claims quickly and fairly, and house people in communities, where they can integrate and rebuild their lives with safety and dignity.