Some charities are concerned about being targeted by the riots taking place across the UK, sector umbrella body NCVO has said.
NCVO chief executive Sarah Elliott urged charities to seek advice from the police or their local authority if they feel threatened.
Her comments follow a Citizens Advice Sunderland office being damaged over the weekend and several other sites including mosques being attacked.
Meanwhile, along with 80 anti-racist and migrant rights organisations, the Runnymede Trust has written to prime minister Keir Starmer asking for parliament to be recalled “to address the scale of this crisis”.
The letter has been signed by charities including the Black Equity Organisation, Race Equality Foundation, Refugee Action and Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants.
With 80 anti-racist and migrant rights organisations, we've written to @Keir_Starmer asking for Parliament to be recalled to address the scale of this crisis.
— Runnymede Trust (@RunnymedeTrust) August 5, 2024
The new govt must change the dial, and foster zero tolerance for far-right, racist and anti-migrant narratives. pic.twitter.com/h1pH2GMhWB
‘Acts of violence perpetrated by thugs’
In a statement, Elliott described the riots as “acts of violence perpetrated by thugs, in an attempt to fan the flames of racial hate and Islamophobia”.
She said it was an “especially difficult time for our colleagues and friends from the global majority who have been made to feel unsafe in their own communities”.
Elliott added: “Many charities will be affected, and some will be afraid of being targeted.
“Please seek advice from the police, or your local authority who will be working as part of the Local Resilience Forum, if you feel threatened.
“You are not alone, we stand alongside you, and as civil society, we will continue demonstrating unwavering commitment to those who are marginalised.
“By leading with empathy and compassion, we will unite against ignorance, malevolence and hate.
“And in the following weeks and months, we must continue to work towards a more tolerant and anti-racist society – learning from the many charities who are working tirelessly in this space.”
The National Association for Voluntary and Community Action also published a statement yesterday condemning the violent disorder and pledging to work with the Voluntary and Community Sector Emergencies Partnership to support its members.
Bond, the UK network for NGOs, said: “Marginalised communities fleeing violence, conflict, climate change, and poverty deserve to feel safe, whether they are seeking refuge here in the UK or anywhere else in the world.
“We stand in solidarity with local communities across the UK who are supporting each other during these devastating times, and are pushing back against racist, Islamophobic rhetoric and violence, as well as the systemic racism that underlies it.”
‘Civil society organisations are on the front line’
The Civil Society Group issued a statement which reads: “Civil society organisations are on the front line in the racist violence that is affecting many parts of the country. Their premises have been targeted, their services disrupted, and the communities that they serve left traumatised.
“As a group of civil society leaders, we reject and condemn the actions of those involved in the recent wave of violence. This violent and vociferous minority, fuelled by hatred, Islamophobia and misinformation, act in direct contrast to the values of a fair, just and inclusive society.
“Staff and volunteers working in civil society organisations will be feeling the same sense of shock and horror at the events of the past week that we are all experiencing, particularly those who are working with Muslim communities, or with migrants and refugees.
“Civil society exists to make the world a better place – championing the voices of those who experience disadvantage and exclusion, providing lifeline services, and working to achieve social justice and cohesion.
“Civil society leaders will play a leading role in the community response to this violent unrest – supporting those most affected, redoubling their efforts to maintain continuity, and playing their part in healing the harms caused by this lawless minority.”
‘We refuse to cower to hate’
Meanwhile, Ndidi Okezie, UK Youth’s chief executive, said the violence has had a profound impact on young people.
“I want to express our total solidarity with our Muslim, migrant and law enforcement community members. We stand firmly against any form of discrimination, violence or hatred,” she said.
“We can see that real fears and frustrations are being weaponised by those who only seek to divide and sow hatred.
“Vulnerable young people are falling prey to these narratives and getting caught up in destructive actions.
“Youth workers are playing a vital role in helping young people recognise misinformation, reject extremism and engage different communities in positive dialogue.”
“These are indeed challenging times, but we refuse to cower to hate. We draw strength and hope from the way young people and communities are coming together to push back against unrest and hate. We will get through this together.”
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