Hard-right surge in the UK sparks violent attacks on mosques and minority groups

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Incidents of Racism on the Rise in Basildon and Glasgow

Residents of Basildon, a town in Essex, England, have reported a string of incidents involving ethnic minorities. Nabila*, a mother of two, has documented several incidents, including glass being thrown at Muslim children and racist attacks on local mosques.

According to census data, Basildon is predominantly white, with Muslims making up less than 2% of the population. Campaigners have warned that in areas where ethnic minority communities are smaller and more isolated, they face increased vulnerability.

Nabila has been organizing meetings with local authorities and supporting victims of racism. She has also started a women’s listening circle to address the issue. Another woman, Zarka*, who wears the hijab, reported being told to remove her headscarf during the school run by a passer-by. She stopped taking her children to school for two weeks as a result.

Similar incidents have been reported in Glasgow, Scotland. Etka Marwaha’s daughter Anisa was seven when she first experienced racist taunting at her primary school. Despite contacting the school multiple times, they failed to address the issue, and the problem persisted for two years before Etka decided to transfer her daughter to a new school.

The new school has a zero-tolerance approach to racism, and Anisa is reportedly happier. However, the ordeal has brought back painful memories for Marwaha, who experienced racist bullying at secondary school.

A doctor with dual heritage children in northwest Scotland has also reported being surprised by the level of racism in local schools. He has stated that incidents involving seven-year-olds making racist comments are becoming increasingly common.

These incidents highlight the need for increased awareness and action to address racism in these communities.

Source: Al Jazeera