07 Aug 2024
Being an active ally in response to racist violence
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The ongoing racist violence we are seeing across the UK is appalling - but it hasn't come out of nowhere.
The anti-immigrant, racist and Islamophobic narratives which are underpinning this must be challenged and dismantled. Keep reading for common misconceptions and how to challenge them.
But first, how you can support your colleagues and teams now, and always.
💬 Check in on your colleagues.
People may understandably be feeling afraid, angry, hurt or hopeless at the moment. Check in to see if colleagues need more flexibility with their workloads, or to take more breaks.
Create a safe(r) space for your teams to share their thoughts and concerns. If you are a manager, make sure to actively listen to any concerns your team have and provide reassurance and support.
✍️ Support someone to report a hate crime.
Citizens Advice suggest contacting a hate crime support service before you report the incident to the police. Organisations such as SARI, Stop Hate UK, Tell Mama and The Anthony Walker Foundation are a good place to start.
If you or someone else are in immediate danger, call 999 and ask for the police.
🤝 Assist your colleagues with travel.
People may feel unsafe travelling to/from work or out in the community if they are from a visibly minoritised background in case they are targeted.
Could you offer to walk them to/from work or their nearest transport stop? Or help arrange alternative transportation, like a taxi, to get them home safely?
❌ Common misconceptions & how to challenge
💬 "Claiming asylum in the UK is easy"
False. Claiming asylum can take years, with many facing long periods of uncertainty about where they will live, work or study, and so are unable to plan for their future. This can be a distressing time, so we should be empathetic and supportive.
💬 "Migrants are taking all the houses"
Migrants are often blamed for housing shortages in the UK, but they aren't actually eligible for social housing, except in very limited circumstances. Most migrants who come to the UK to work or study can't receive benefits or get help with their housing, so live in privately rented accommodation.
💬 "Asylum seekers only come here for the benefits"
Asylum seekers only receive accommodation if they are defined as 'destitute', and otherwise only receive £40 per week to pay for food and any expenses. They also aren't allowed to work or apply for council housing.
💬 "I don't want illegal refugees coming into this country"
Seeking asylum is a fundamental human right, and it's not illegal to seek asylum. It's also not illegal to be refused asylum if you have been unable to meet the very strict criteria to prove your need for protection as a refugee.
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