In recent days, our hearts have been heavy with grief and anger as we witness the tragic and senseless murders of three young girls and the attack on eight other children and two adults. This is not a time for silence or inaction. The families should have been given the space to grieve, but instead, these horrific events have been exploited by far-right hooligans taking to the streets over the past couple of nights, inciting violence, looting, burning, and attacking both the traumatised communities themselves and the police. The urgency of the situation demands our immediate and unwavering action.

 With no evidence whatsoever, other than invented associations from far-right trolls, the blame has been put on one community in particular - Muslims. Just to be clear, the police have explicitly stated that there is no known link between the perpetrator and Islam.

This surge in far-right violence is a stark reminder of the urgent need for solidarity and support for our Muslim and South Asian brothers and sisters. However, it’s important to remember that the call for safe and supportive environments is not limited to these communities. It calls for everyone to feel safe, valued, and supported regardless of background. These communities are under attack, not just physically, but also through a pervasive atmosphere of fear, intimidation and the famous Baroness Warsi “dinner table test,” in which prejudice against Muslims becomes socially acceptable. It is a time for us, especially organisations and companies, to recognise our pivotal role and take decisive action to create safe and supportive environments for everyone.

The Importance of Creating Supportive Spaces

In the face of such hatred and violence, companies must play a proactive and pivotal role in supporting their Muslim and South Asian employees and communities. This involves more than just condemning the attacks; it requires creating spaces where individuals feel safe, valued, and supported. Your contribution is crucial in this endeavour. Here are a few steps companies can take:

1. Support Open Conversations: Encourage open and respectful dialogues about race, religion, and identity within the workplace. Providing platforms for employees to share their experiences and concerns is a step towards nurturing understanding and empathy, which are crucial in these times.

2. Implement Diversity and Inclusion Training: Regular training sessions on diversity, equity, and inclusion can help employees understand the unique challenges faced by their Muslim and South Asian colleagues and promote a more inclusive workplace culture.

3. Provide Mental Health Support: The psychological impact of such violent events can be profound. Ensure that culturally sensitive mental health resources are available and accessible to those affected, and consider offering specialised support services for those directly impacted by these attacks. 

4. Celebrate Cultural Heritage: Recognise and celebrate the cultural heritage of your Muslim and South Asian employees. Events, educational sessions, and cultural celebrations can enhance understanding and appreciation among all employees.

5. Stand Against Hate: Companies must stand against all forms of hate and discrimination publicly. Make it clear that your organisation does not tolerate bigotry and actively supports the rights and dignity of all individuals. Keep an eye out for local area activities. In Scotland

Learning from History: Insights from Beyond Labels

In our guide ‘Beyond Labels,’ we explored the 1970s protests that led to the term ‘politically Black,’ where anyone who wasn’t white in the UK experienced racism and discrimination. This historical context is crucial in understanding the current situation, where anyone who looks Asian or appears to be Muslim is under threat. For instance, in Stockport, a Sri Lankan family had their store attacked and looted, showing how anyone who looks different is at risk. The guide provides valuable insights into the roots of discrimination and violence against minority communities and how we can learn from history to address these issues today.

Now, the culprit of the Stockport murder has been identified as the soon-to-turn 18-year-old born and bred in Cardiff to Rwandan parents. The only angle the far right will use is his race as a Black African (British) boy; it will mean that Black people will have to be vigilant of attacks as the far right mobilises their violent riots across the country. 

The Role of Misinformation

The speed at which misinformation can spread, especially on platforms like X (formerly Twitter), has played a significant and damaging role in fanning the flames of these riots. In less than 24 hours, the Stockport community (and first responders) endured two traumatic events: the murders of innocent children and the subsequent fear of violence targeted at their Muslim community, who were not involved in the murders. This misinformation has been a catalyst for violence and has further traumatised the community. It’s a stark reminder of the need for vigilance against misinformation.

According to a report by the Institute for Strategic Dialogue, online misinformation quickly escalated the situation, leading to real-world violence. Organisations must be aware and vigilant of misinformation and its potential impact on their communities. Read more about this issue here.

A Timely Reminder: South Asian Heritage Month

This month is South Asian Heritage Month, and the theme is #FreeToBeMe. As we can see from recent events, our friends, colleagues, neighbours, and broader South Asian communities are not free to be themselves for fear of unprovoked attacks. It is more crucial than ever to stand in solidarity with these communities and work towards creating a society where everyone can be free to be themselves.

Beyond the Workplace

Supporting our Muslim and South Asian communities extends beyond the workplace. Companies can also take action by:

• Advocating for Change: Use your platform to advocate for policies and practices that promote social justice and equity. Companies, as influential entities, have the power to drive change and promote equity. Your voice matters, and your advocacy can significantly impact the fight against discrimination and violence, especially breaking down the stereotyping (conscious or unconscious bias) of Islamic communities.

• Providing Financial Support: Consider donating to organisations working on the front lines to support victims of hate crimes and promote community healing. Your financial support can provide crucial resources for victims and contribute to the broader effort of healing and rebuilding affected communities. Be aware of shame money (i.e.)

• Engaging with Community Leaders: Build relationships with community leaders and organisations to better understand their needs and how your company can support them.

Follow and lead by the example of key community leaders, such as the Imam Of Sheikh Abdullah Quilliam Mosque in Liverpool. 

Conclusion

The recent events are a painful reminder of the work that still needs to be done to combat hatred and violence. By taking proactive steps to support our Muslim and South Asian communities, companies can play a crucial role in nurturing a more inclusive and equitable society.

For the past 14 years, the Tory government has indeed employed divisive rhetoric, mainly targeting migrants and refugees, to divert attention from the systemic issues affecting all communities, especially the white working class. This strategy has led to significant neglect regarding fair policies, access to opportunities, and support structures. The erosion of community groups, youth spaces, affordable childcare, and the escalating cost of living, Brexit has left many communities struggling. Instead of addressing these pressing issues, the government has consistently scapegoated migrants, using the narrative of "small boats" to justify the lack of resources.

Just as the community of Stockport came together to clean up the damages caused by the rioters and rebuild the dismantled wall around the mosque, which bricks were used as missiles to throw at the police, we also need to unite to stand against hate and ensure that everyone feels safe and valued regardless of background. The only person to blame for the attack is the 17-year-old perpetrator. This is not the fault of any group or organised religion. Read more about the killer: https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/article/2024/aug/01/southport-accused-named-as-axel-rudakubana.

The riots, however, are firmly the fault of the far-right criminals and their political and media friends, such as the leaders of Reform and racist celebrities who, with no capacity for critical thought or fact-checking, amplified misinformation and directly promoted the violence (see the links above).

Moving forward, any new government needs to adopt an inclusive approach akin to the Of Sheikh Abdullah Quilliam Mosque in Liverpool, who seeks to unite diverse communities. They must actively listen to all groups' concerns and work towards equitable solutions. This involves addressing the immediate economic challenges and rebuilding the social fabric by restoring community resources and fostering an environment of mutual respect and understanding.

Join us on the 20th and 27th of August as we continue to work and support organisations in having and facilitating inclusive conversations and implementing strategies to help them be inclusive and confident in challenging divisive misinformation. By doing so, we can move away from the politics of fear and blame and towards a future built on equity, empathy, and collective progress.