We have been deeply saddened and angered by the shocking violence and disorder we have witnessed here in the North East and across the country.
The violent incidents we have seen are not protests, they are racist attacks which have created fear amongst our clients and communities that is unprecedented in recent times.
We have spoken to people who are too scared to leave their homes and that is completely unacceptable. These are vulnerable people, many of whom have fled war and persecution in their own countries to seek safety in the UK. The level of hatred we are witnessing will undoubtedly retraumatise those who have already suffered trauma enough.
Despite the distressing scenes of rioting on our television screens, we have been heartened by the acts of so many ordinary people who have come out, armed with brushes and shovels, to clean up the mess, expressing support and solidarity with their communities.
The vast majority of British people – and particularly here in the North East – are welcoming and supportive of migration and opposed to the extremism committed by members of the far right.
This extremism has been fuelled by years of anti-migrant rhetoric which has emboldened those who embrace racist ideologies. These coordinated, organised attacks are instigated online and fuelled by misinformation. Let us all be more careful of the words we use.
This is not who we are as a country and this violence should mark a turning a point in the way we treat people who seek sanctuary here.
As a charity that works with refugees and asylum seekers, we will continue to seek out opportunities to work with others in the voluntary sector, politicians and religious organisations to create a safe and welcoming environment for everyone in our society.
