NEWS & BLOG

The violent racism unfolding in Belfast and around the UK is both shocking and, sadly, the foreseeable result of years of hostile rhetoric that has sought to portray migrants, refugees and people of colour as threats rather than as neighbours, colleagues and members of our communities.

Homes have been attacked, families and individuals terrorised, and people forced to live in fear and flee for their safety because of who they are, the colour of their skin or their ethnic background. These are not isolated incidents; they are the consequence of a climate in which entire groups of people are routinely blamed for wider social problems, dehumanised in public debate, and treated with suspicion rather than dignity.

We stand in solidarity with the victim of the original knife attack in Belfast and everyone who has been targeted thereafter. The family of the victim has said that they do not welcome unrest, that migrants make a deeply valuable contribution to our country, and that they do not want this tragedy to be used to divide people or fuel hostility.

Everyone should be able to live in safety and dignity, regardless of their immigration status, ethnic or national background. The fear experienced by many families and individuals today is a stark reminder of the consequences of allowing division, scapegoating and racism to go unchallenged.

For the safety of minorities and social cohesion of whole communities, politicians and the media must prioritise discussing immigration issues in ways that are responsible and cease to share narratives that encourage the scapegoating of migrants for other longstanding challenges facing the country. Migrants are not responsible for the growing poverty, high unemployment rates, affordable housing crisis and under-resourced NHS that affects millions.

We are calling on political leaders, community organisations and the wider public to provide immediate support to those displaced or affected by these attacks, and to challenge the racist narratives that continue to place refugees, migrants and ethnic minority communities at risk. We also call for politicians and the media to responsibly report the many positive activities and demonstrations that hundreds of thousands of people participate in every year to support and call for justice for those facing oppression and prejudice, including migrants.

‘We are all human beings, seeking nothing more than to live in safety and dignity.’ — West London Welcome community member.