What a difficult week it has been for the UK. During this time of appalling anti-immigrant and racist violence, we want to reiterate that Penrith and Eden Refugee Network stands firmly alongside refugees, asylum seekers, Black and Brown and minoritised people.
In recent days, we have been in touch with our members to offer support. Many have responded with messages of fear and concern but also clarity – they tell us that they know the violence is committed by a tiny minority and they recognise the overwhelming kindness and decency in their communities.
We have also signed a statement from Together With Refugees, on behalf of everyone at PERN and alongside 240 other charities. You can read the full statement, which reiterates that racism, Islamophobia and hatred against migrants has no place in our country, here.
The violence we are seeing is real. Our leaders must act, and so must each of us. PERN believes that people want compassion in their own lives, in our communities, and in the world. We encourage everyone to call out the hate-mongering, look out for our neighbours and work to build a more just and welcoming community.
And so, from here, we try to move forwards. The work of PERN will not stop, despite the senseless violence taking place in communities across the UK.
