We are horrified at the racist violence and intimidation we’re seeing in communities across the UK. Muslims, Black and Brown people and people seeking asylum and refuge are being terrorised by a small minority who are using far-right misinformation and speech as an excuse to create chaos and fear.
The violence and hatred is fuelled by years of Islamophobic, anti-migrant, anti-refugee policies and rhetoric from the previous UK governments. The media has supported these policies, amplified this rhetoric, and dehumanised the communities that are now being targeted. Some outlets are now legitimising the attacks by framing them as ‘protest’.
Peace Direct works with partners around the world who strive to heal divides in communities and build sustainable peace. This week’s events show us how necessary it is to support peacebuilding initiatives in the UK just as much as elsewhere. We know that the vast majority of people in the UK want this violence to stop, and to see an end to the dangerous speech that fuels it.
So today we ask you to support the work of anti-racist organisations in the UK who are working to bring communities together and build peace, for example:
