In the aftermath of far-right activity towards migrants, Muslims and people of colour in August of this year, lived experience leaders in the sector came together to ask for actions to heal our communities.

Racial justice is migration justice. The recent race riots led by far-right groups across the country, targeting Muslims, Black people, people of colour and people seeking asylum, have devastated our communities. These riots did not happen in a vacuum but have been fuelled by years of harmful rhetoric from politicians aimed at people seeking asylum. 7 August marked a tragic day when many of our workplaces and centres supporting people seeking safety had to be closed.

Racial justice is migration justice.

Although closing felt like a defeat, we are unbowed. On the same day, Freedom From Torture, Migration Exchange, Refugee Action and the Refugee Council jointly held an online supportive space for those identifying as having lived experience of the migration system and working in the migration field. People from Liverpool, Manchester, Rochdale, Glasgow, Coventry, Birmingham and London joined in solidarity.

All of us on the call appreciated the space, and one participant expressed, “If I can’t feel it on the streets, I need somewhere to feel like people are on my side,” highlighting the need for safe spaces and community support during these troubling times.

We joined together to reassure each other that it is okay to be scared, but also to find hope.

Some shared their fear of being on the target list of organisations threatened by the wave of hate. The psychological impact and trauma were evident, with another individual stating, “We need counselling of some sort.” This shared fear was compounded by the visible vulnerability of being a minority, as another person noted, “I am not like my colleagues; I am Black. I am visible from far away.”

We joined together to reassure each other that it is okay to be scared, but also to find hope. We have received messages of solidarity from friends, colleagues, and wider supporters. Although this is reassuring, we need action that centres anti-racism.

Key requests to sector leaders

Sector leaders must implement robust measures to ensure the safety of all staff members, especially those from minoritised communities.

It is crucial to integrate racial justice efforts into all aspects of their work, including having robust anti-racism strategies within their organisations and ensuring racial justice is central to their campaigning efforts.

Additionally, they should provide flexible working arrangements, adequate support for employee assistance programmes, and supervision. Promoting leadership among individuals with lived experience is also essential.

Sector leaders must implement robust measures to ensure the safety of all staff members, especially those from minoritised communities.

Key requests to independent funders

Funders need to provide immediate funds to address the aftermath of the riots. Resources should be allocated to support the wellbeing of staff members with lived experience. Investing in the development of individuals with lived experience to take up leadership positions is also critical.

Furthermore, funders must hold themselves and the sector accountable for embedding anti-racism in all practices.

Funders need to provide immediate funds to address the aftermath of the riots.

Key policy asks

The government should engage individuals with lived experience of the migration system in discussions and policymaking to address the root causes that have led to these riots. Ending harmful rhetoric aimed at people seeking asylum is crucial, as such rhetoric contributes to a hostile environment and incites violence by far-right groups.

The government must lead by example by promoting messages of compassion and welcome towards people seeking safety, and hold MPs accountable for using harmful language. Finally, moving away from institutional accommodation such as hotels and hostels, which cause unnecessary lasting harm and come at a significant cost to the taxpayer, is imperative. Instead, community-based accommodation should be provided.

By addressing these issues, we can begin to repair the damage caused by these riots and build a more just and compassionate society for all. Together, we can ensure that our communities and organisations are safe and supportive environments for everyone.

The government must lead by example by promoting messages of compassion and welcome towards people seeking safety, and hold MPs accountable for using harmful language.

Together with others working in the field and with lived experience of the migration system, we have also written directly to decision-makers to share our key asks. You can read about them here:

• Report about our letter to Prime Minister Keir Starmer Dozens of former asylum seekers tell Keir Starmer four things he must do after riots [The Mirror]
• Report about our letter to charity leaders and funders ‘Urgent action’ needed to support charity staff after riots, campaigners say [Third Sector]

This blog post and letters were led by lived experience leader community, facilitated by Kolbassia Haoussou, Marchu Belete, Mohamed Omar and Yusuf Ciftci.