Standing Together: Solidarity in the face of adversity

In a week marred by horrific violence and far-right unrest, our hearts are heavy with grief and anger. The brutal attack that claimed the lives of three small children and left many others hospitalised has left us reeling. Hijacking this tragedy, white racists have rioted causing fear, harm and destruction, targeting Muslims, Black people and those who came to this country seeking safety.

The impact of these riots can be felt across the country. The racist violence we’ve witnessed is not an isolated incident; it is the culmination of decades of toxic rhetoric and policies.

In the lead-up to the general election, Migration Exchange held an event where charity leaders and funders discussed the emboldened far right, high levels of threat and the potential far-right backlash. Discussions stressed the importance of collaboration between the migration sector and racial justice organisations and the need to invest in the deep work to combat hate and division. Now, more than ever, this alliance is crucial.

Strengthening community safety and capacity-building

To protect our communities from far-right violence, we must implement immediate actions. This includes improving security infrastructure and providing support for at-risk groups. Comprehensive wellbeing support for staff and volunteers facing heightened scrutiny and threats, both online and offline, is paramount to ensure their mental health and safety. At this moment, special care to support and address the needs of people with lived experience of the migration system working in the sector is crucial. Building stronger local partnerships with compassionate authorities and extending our collaboration beyond the migration sector to include unions, LGBTQI groups, and faith organisations is essential. Additionally, developing robust strategies for addressing hate crimes, especially when police support is inadequate, will enhance our efforts to protect and support our communities.

The messages of solidarity from friends and colleagues are comforting, but more concrete actions are needed.

Immediate steps for the migration sector

If you work in the migration sector, here are some immediate steps to support those we serve:

1. Provide support to communities: Make sure the people you support know where to contact you if they need support. If safe to do so, provide environments where the communities you support can gather, share, and find reassurance.
2. Support staff wellbeing: Offer space for staff, especially those with lived experience, to receive wellbeing support and take time if needed. Allies should provide reassurance and support.
3. Follow organisations providing updated resources and guidance on how to deal with this threat, including Hope Not Hate. For advice on messaging at this time, see NEON’s Far right violence, a messaging guide.
4. Collaborate and stay connected: Share tips and connect with networks in the refugee and migration sector. Email us on mex@global-dialogue.org to be signposted.
5. Hold the government accountable: Ensure the government commits to a fair and just asylum process, to combatting racism, Islamophobia and violence against women and girls, and do not allow hate to prevail.

The role of funders

Funders’ support is crucial in these challenging times. Here’s some ways that independent funders can help:

1. Check in: Communicate with your grant partners, particularly those led by people targeted by the far right and in areas affected, to understand their current needs.
2. Shift and increase resources: Direct funds to key organisations working in affected areas and on critical policy changes, as well as grassroots organisations. Provide additional resources towards wellbeing support and training on how to keep safe in the face of far-right violence and hate.
3. Support policy change: Back efforts that aim to create systemic change and protect the rights of people who are migrants and refugees.
4. Be flexible: For example, delay or call off reporting requirements to reduce the burden on organisations who are already stretched in capacity, and give them back time to focus on responding to this threat.

Together, let’s stand in solidarity, commit to anti-racism, and strive for a future where everyone feels safe and valued.

To contact us, please email on mex@global-dialogue.org

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Migration Exchange is hosted at Global Dialogue, a registered charity (1122052) partnering with philanthropy to advance rights, equity and diversity.