Statement following the ongoing impact of race hatred and violence on the streets of our towns across Britain

Statement following the ongoing impact of race hatred and violence on the streets of our towns across Britain.

We have been increasingly distressed by the misinformation and racist, Islamophobic, anti-Black anti-migrant and antisemitic rhetoric and scapegoating, building into terrifying acts of violence sweeping across the country and targeting Muslim and Black and Brown communities. Whole communities have been impacted, individuals are scared to leave their homes and fear for their businesses and places of worship. As with similar events in the past we are seeing the violence spread to other “oppressed communities” such as LGBTQ+. Innocent people’s sense of home, safety and livelihood are under threat.

We also recognise that such racist rhetoric and scapegoating has historically been used to create division by drawing upon the complex and long standing, collective forces in process at the roots of poverty and disenfranchisement, which along with racism we have a responsibility to examine and attend to.

We are heartened by the large numbers of people coming out in peaceful protest against the far-right demonstrations and in solidarity with those communities facing violence.

We want to acknowledge the devastating impact on our Muslim, black and brown friends, family, colleagues, clients, and communities.

The following is a guide and as always should be tailored to individual context and relationships.

Key Actions of support and solidarity:

• Check with our Muslim, black and brown friends, colleagues and clients as to how these events may be affecting them and, of course, accept the level of response offered.
• Be attuned to times when offers of physical support might be appropriate- or remind clients that extra sessions could be available.
• Challenge Islamophobic and racist rhetoric and abuse and support those targeted. Now is the time for white allies to step up and put our actions where our rhetoric has been.
• Support and amplify the voices of those directly affected.
• Carefully consider and fact-check our own comments or sharing of comments on social media platforms as individuals and professionals
• Support friends, colleagues and clients to report hate incidents and crimes directly or anonymously. There is a list of reporting agencies below. Remember we can also report when we witness hate incidents both in real life and online.
• In all our organisations and networks, be aware and supportive if some Muslim, Black and Brown colleagues need to come together in affinity spaces for mutual support.
  Written by Derek Sankar, Phil Bragman.Signed by:
  Phil Bragman
  Derek Sankar
  Stephen Tame (ERT trainer)
  Allison Priestman (ERT trainer)
  Sophie Lawton
  Grace Walker
  Clive Patrick
  Emma Palmer
  Kimcha Rajkumar
  Leslie Laine
  Filomena Ianni
  Philippa Forsey
  Tae Catford
  Nicky Glegg

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Reporting Hate Crime and Hate Incidents
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, or the incident is on-going call 999 and ask for the police.

For non-emergencies, online hate and in some cases access advocacy. For all services you may report anonymously and report as a witness to an event.

15/08/2024