The organisation Hope not Hate, in collaboration with NACCOM, Asylum Matters, Praxis and Right to Remain, have created a guide on Staying Safe amidst Far Right Violence. You can download the pdf below, and this short post outlines the key points. It is possible that the guide will be updated later.
Right to Remain works with hundreds of groups across the UK standing in solidarity with people who are seeking asylum and who are going through the immigration system. We know that they are concerned about the safety of people they are supporting, as well as themselves. We hope that we can all use this guide to review our safety procedures to keep everyone safe.
The guide on Staying Safe gives advice to four main groups:
- People who are directly targeted by far-right violence
- Organisations supporting people who are seeking asylum and who are housed in Home Office hotels
- Charities and community groups who provide centre and service based work
- Charities and community groups who provide community based work, including supporting those who are housed in the community
In the section for people who are worried about being targeted by far-right violence, it gives the following information. Please take time to explore this information in conversations and meetings, in a supportive environment.
You have the right to be in and feel safe in your local community. You also have the right to carry out your usual, daily activities.
No one has the right to treat you badly because of who you are or who they think you are, but at this time you might want to take precautions if you feel unsafe.
We made some recommendations if you would like to think about additional safety measures if you feel these are necessary, and help in identifying places where you can find support and solidarity.
- Ask trusted people in your community about any recent risks. This could include whether there have been any local attacks or threats. This will help you to make good decisions about where it is safe and which places to avoid at certain times.
- Think about whether it might be better to go out with someone else, not alone where possible.
- Keep your phone charged or carry a charger with you, and make sure you have important numbers saved.
- It is a good idea to let people know where you are going and what time you expect to return, so that they can check in with you or let someone know if they are not able to reach you.
- People in your local community may not be well informed, and a time of heightened far-right activity and violence, may be mistrustful of large groups of people. Large groups may also draw unwanted attention from both people with hostile intentions and from any authorities who are present. Make an assessment of whether it is safe for you to meet in a large group at this time.
- Stay connected to your community. Being connected to others is good for us in lots of ways and it is helpful to know that there are many places in your community which are thinking about and prioritising your safety. If you know of a group or charity that gives information, briefings, wellbeing sessions etc contact them and ask how you can join in. If you don’t know, ask others, and look out for posters, notices etc. These can be good ways of getting information on all kinds of things and a good way to stay informed and safe.
Translations
Below are translations by Kalayaan of the Hope Not Hate guidance in English, Bahasa Indonesia, Hindi and Tagalog. They are available for download below. Please share widely.
There are further translations on the Hope Not Hate website – please follow the link below.
Discussion: