More than 150 lawyers, human rights groups, and refugee organisations have reported receiving death and rape threats from far-right and anti-migrant protesters, according to a joint statement released this week. The groups say they are being 'pressured into silence' amid a surge in hostility.
At least two refugee NGOs supporting asylum seekers facing removal to France under the government's 'one in, one out' scheme have closed their offices after credible safety threats. Organisations including Liberty, Greenpeace, Care4Calais, and Freedom from Torture have signed the statement, expressing solidarity against mounting intimidation.
The statement condemns media and social media for 'stoking the flames of division' with inflammatory reporting on migrants. It notes that personal details of staff have been shared online, with threatening comments such as 'These liberal idiots literally won’t get it until they get raped or stabbed.'
Some NGOs have been forced to use safe rooms, relocate offices, or operate quietly to avoid abuse. Bail for Immigration Detainees said the attacks 'only highlight the importance of work ensuring access to justice,' adding that the threats have strengthened their resolve.
