Joint Statement from Migration, Human Rights, and Legal Organisations on Rising Hostility
Leaders and organisations call for an to end divisive rhetoric and intimidation.
As reported by The Guardian on 22nd September, over 150 leaders from the legal and migrant rights sector signed a joint letter calling for responsible media reporting and an end to hostility towards organisations supporting migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers.
JOINT STATEMENT FROM MIGRATION, HUMAN RIGHTS, AND LEGAL ORGANISATIONS AND INDIVIDUALS
Published on Monday 22/09/2025
In the last few days, we have seen increased media reporting and social media attacks targeting organisations supporting migrants, refugees and asylum seekers in our community. As leaders and organisations in the migration, human rights and legal sector, we are coming together to voice our deep concern about the rise of hostility towards our organisations and the people we work with.
No matter our skin colour, faith, or where we come from, we should all be able to access legal advice and support. For the law to protect anyone, it must protect all of us. But right now, the ability of organisations to provide these vital services is under attack in the media and in our streets - hindering us from protecting our communities and the people we serve.
Divisive rhetoric, which fuels mistrust, misinformation and hostility towards migrants and migrant organisations, is placing our communities, staff and volunteers at serious risk. These attacks are not just words on a page – they have consequences. Communities are living in fear, our staff and volunteers are receiving abuse, and our offices are being targeted.
The migration sector, already struggling with scarce resources, is now being forced to operate quietly, fearing that visibility will bring abuse or even physical danger. The result is a chilling effect: we’re being pressured i nto silence, unable to speak publicly about the injustices we witness every day.
We know these are attempts to intimidate us and even to stop the essential support we give to communities that need it most.
Despite these racist attacks, we remain committed to the vital support and services we were set up to deliver. Migrants and refugees are our neighbours, families, friends, colleagues, and loved ones, and we will continue to provide spaces of safety, support, and dignity.
We urgently call for an end to the media narrative that is stoking the flames of division. Journalists and media outlets have a duty to act responsibly and with integrity, especially when it comes to their reporting, headlines and social media output.
In the face of this division, we’re coming together to show that when we treat each other with care and compassion, we create a stronger and safer community for all of us.
