Sakhi for South Asian Survivors strongly condemns the recent wave of far-right violence in the United Kingdom, which has targeted South Asian, Muslim, migrant, and other minority communities. This violence is not an isolated phenomenon; it is part of a broader pattern of communal violence that has deep historical roots and far-reaching consequences, particularly when intertwined with gender-based violence (GBV).
Far-right groups are increasingly weaponizing GBV to further their xenophobic and racist agendas. They exploit gendered narratives, portraying South Asian and Muslim men as predators and threats to the very communities they live and participate in. These narratives are used to dehumanize and justify violence against our communities, creating an atmosphere of fear and division. These tactics are not new or unique. They mirror the strategies employed during British colonial rule and Partition in South Asia, where women and vulnerable groups often became the primary targets in efforts to destabilize entire communities.
In the UK, we are witnessing the horrific impact of these tactics. Recent incidents include the attack on a hotel housing asylum seekers in Rotherham, where far-right mobs set the building ablaze, and the violent assault on a Black man in Manchester by a group of white extremists. South Asian individuals, including women and girls, are facing harassment, with instances of Muslim girls being spit at and having their hijabs torn off during protests. The implications of this violence extend beyond the UK. In the United States and across Europe, similar patterns of far-right violence and the weaponization of GBV are on the rise, often with deadly consequences.
At Sakhi, we understand that gender-based violence impacts everyone—women, men, and non-binary individuals alike. When far-right extremists weaponize GBV, they target the most vulnerable members of our communities, exacerbating existing inequalities and perpetuating cycles of trauma.
We call on the United States government to condemn these senseless and hateful acts of violence, and call upon the UK government and international bodies to take urgent action to end and prevent further violence. Leaders must hold those responsible accountable and dismantle the systemic issues that allow such ideologies to thrive. This includes confronting the harmful narratives that the far-right uses to justify their actions and ensuring that marginalized communities are protected and supported. The international community must also acknowledge and actively combat the proliferation of far-right hatred and violence currently rising across the globe.
Sakhi for South Asian Survivors stands in solidarity with those affected by this violence. We will continue to shine a light on the intersections of far-right extremism and gender-based violence. As a community we must ensure that the narratives of those impacted are not erased or ignored. Now is the time to harness our communities’ resilience and strength as we center survivor leadership and advocate for their safety and dignity globally.