The open letter published by Stand Up To Racism opposing the far right’s narrative on sexual violence should be widely shared and signed, says Clementine Russell
Many prominent women, including MPs, artists, cultural figures, and campaigners, have, in coordination with Stand up to Racism, signed an open letter opposing the far right. Among those who have signed are singer Paloma Faith, MPs Zarah Sultana and Diane Abbott, and Stop The War Convenor, Lindsey German.
The letter urges that ‘we reject the far right’s racist lies about “protecting” women and girls’, arguing that far-right figures like Nigel Farage and Robert Jenrick have exploited the legitimate issue of violence against women to fit their racist narratives that refugees and immigrants are a danger to society.
In a press conference in July, Farage stated that there ‘is an alarming parallel between the extraordinary increase in the number of reported rapes and the wholly irresponsible immigration and asylum policies pursued by first Labour and then by Conservative Governments.’ Farage’s viewpoint is particularly disreputable considering his consistent support of men who have been accused of committing sexual violence, such as Andrew Tate. Robert Jenrick has spouted similar views, stating his fears for his daughters over immigrants with ‘medieval attitudes’ to women and girls.
The letter criticises these talking points, arguing that ‘there is no evidence that people seeking refuge are more likely to commit acts of sexual violence.’ In fact, the letter continues, many ‘are themselves survivors of violence, war, and persecution. Blaming them distracts from tackling the deep-rooted causes of abuse and from holding those truly responsible to account.’
The letter goes on to argue that, in reality, women and children who are victims of sexual violence receive little to no support from those in power. More often than not, women face abuse from men who they know or are in relationships with, not people seeking refuge in our country. The issue of violence against women and girls often goes unspoken about, despite the massive numbers of women who have experienced harassment and abuse. Scapegoating immigrants for a very real issue both creates an unsafe environment for those seeking asylum in the UK and buries the real causes behind the epidemic of sexual violence.
The far right’s perversion of our issues also subjects female refugees to further violence and persecution. We should not allow very real suffering to be weaponised against minority groups. The letter emphasises this: ‘Standing up for women’s rights means rejecting racism and division, and building unity to demand real action to end violence against women and girls.’
The letter ends by urging readers to stand against racism and the likes of Tommy Robinson as a community on the 13 September Stand Up To Racism march against the far right. We must all stand with not only victims of sexual violence but also the immigrants being scapegoated for a society-wide issue, and we must stand up against fascism and the far right. Counterfire readers should do their best to get as many as possible to sign the letter, and share it around to encourage a big turnout on 13 September.
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