Asylum Seeker Avoided Wearing Hijab Following Riots, Stating ‘I didn’t go outside with my hijab’

An asylum seeker reported that she accumulated three weeks’ supply of food, fearing to exit her residence subsequent to riots that erupted after the deadly Southport knife attack during the summer. The individual, whom the BBC has chosen to identify as Malali for her protection, relocated to the north-east of England from Afghanistan earlier this year to facilitate her daughter’s education. She described the civil disturbance as “difficult to accept”, noting it diverged from the “normal feeling” she had encountered since her arrival in the region. A study conducted by the Newcastle-based charity Action Foundation indicated that 58% of asylum seekers and refugees residing in the North East reported being personally impacted by the riots. Hundreds of individuals participated in a violent night in Sunderland city centre on 2 August, during which police officers were assaulted and structures were set ablaze. This incident was among numerous far-right protests and riots that occurred throughout the UK, specifically including locations such as Hartlepool and Middlesbrough. Throughout this timeframe, Malali endeavored to minimize her departures from home, stating her belief that her hijab rendered her a more conspicuous target. When accompanying her son to an urgent dental appointment, she donned a hat “and used a hoodie to cover my hair, even though it was summer”, she recounted. “I didn’t go outside with my hijab.” She expressed concern that it would lead people to perceive her as “an outsider, a refugee”. The report from the charity indicated that numerous refugees and asylum seekers modified their daily routines, steered clear of specific locations, and rescheduled appointments. CEO Duncan McAuley commented that although the report presented “tough reading”, it also revealed a discernible “sense of solidarity”. He noted, “Lots of the respondents talked about the amazing turnout the following day of people cleaning up.” He further added that they also referred to “people on the streets demonstrating against racism”. Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner Susan Dungworth expressed confidence that “we can ultimately build stronger communities following these events”. She stated that she has initiated a new funding round for community organizations to support projects aimed at addressing hate crime and enhancing community cohesion. Follow BBC North East on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, and Instagram. Story ideas can be sent to northeastandcumbria@bbc.co.uk. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the content of external websites. Information regarding our approach to external linking is available.