How to support someone who has experienced racist abuse in asylum accommodation

A 3-step guide for non-lawyers 

Back in summer, far-right groups made threats against immigration solicitors and advice centres around the country. 

A Citizens Advice Bureau in Sunderland and a library in Liverpool were attacked by far-right rioters. A list of so-called “targets” was circulated. Many of our colleagues, peers, friends and the organisations we work with were fearful and angry.  It was hard to know how to protect people living in asylum accommodation, and what action could be taken to move people to safety.  

To simplify what protections there are in law, we created a guide for non-lawyers who support people who may need to be moved from their asylum accommodation when there is racist violence or racist threats are made. 

Download the guide

Who’s the guide for? 

The 5-page guide is to support people who are in asylum accommodation as they wait for the outcome of their asylum claim (under s.95 Immigration and Asylum Act 1999). 

What’s in the guide? 

When a person has suffered a racist incident and there are grounds for concern for the victim’s immediate safety if they remain at the same address, the accommodation provider/the Home Office must arrange safe temporary housing for the victim and relocate them immediately. 

The guide gives an overview of the policies in place to protect people from racist violence and threats.  

It shares what the Home Office is responsible for, and what the accommodation must do.   

Get the guide

3 steps to support a person in asylum accommodation fearing for their safety 

If you or anyone you know experience racist violence of threats while in asylum accommodation, you should: 

1. Report the incident to the asylum accommodation provider and request to be moved accommodation

1. Write to Migrant Help making an urgent request to be moved accommodation

1. If the no action is taken, consider referring for advice on a judicial review

Download the guide in full

For years successive governments and the media establishment have enabled xenophobia, racism and Islamophobia to fester. They have scapegoated racialised communities, refugees and asylum seekers. They have called into question the so-called “lefty lawyers” who use the law to uphold people’s human rights. 

Our work will always stand for racial justice.  

If you, or someone you know needs legal advice about their experience of racist violence and threats while in asylum accommodation, please contact  Ellen on ellen.fotheringham@pilc.org.uk.