OPFS Statement on racist riots

Satwat Rehman, OPFS Chief Executive said:

“Following the recent racist/fascist and Islamophobic rioting across the UK, many Muslims and people from the global majority continue to fear for their safety and are in a state of heightened anxiety. Some are recovering from attacks to their families, their communities and places of worship and wondering if the worst is now over. Muslims in particular – especially women wearing hijab – have been hurt, threatened and intimidated as they go about their daily lives in their communities. Families don’t feel safe going out to pray, they’re afraid to send their children out to play, and many are uncertain if it’s safe to go to work.

“At OPFS, we work closely with many asylum-seeker and refugee families, and we know that these attacks deepen the trauma they have already suffered. Racism, Islamophobia, and hatred toward minorities have no place in our society and must not be tolerated. There can be no justification for those who commit, incite, or condone such actions.

“Our political leaders must confront and tackle the conditions that enable fascism and racism and call to account those politicians, influencers and the media who have for many years created the environment where Islamophobia and racism go unchecked.

“Everyone should have a safe place to call home. We stand in solidarity with Muslim communities and people from the global majority affected by these inexcusable acts of violence, and we will continue to play our part in supporting and working in partnership with single parent families no matter their background.

“But we cannot do this alone. We need every sector – public, private and third sector – to come together and unequivocally condemn the violence.”