More than 150 lawyers and human rights groups in the UK have raised an alarm, saying they are being pressured into silence after facing threats from far-right and anti-migrant protesters. According to reports, some organizations and individuals have received rape and death threats for their work with asylum seekers and refugees.
At least two refugee NGOs that support asylum seekers have been forced to close their offices. The groups were targeted after helping people who received notices from the Home Office that they would be removed to France under Labour’s new “one in, one out” asylum scheme. The organizations said they shut down operations temporarily because of credible safety concerns.
The statement was signed by well-known groups including Liberty, Greenpeace, Care4Calais, Bail for Immigration Detainees, Choose Love, the Runnymede Trust and Freedom from Torture. Many lawyers, including King’s Counsel (KCs), also added their names in what they described as an act of solidarity to protect freedom of expression and migrant rights.
Those involved say they are most concerned about how parts of the media and social media have contributed to the hostility. They argue that inflammatory reporting and online attacks are fueling negative attitudes toward migrants and the organizations that work with them.
In their joint statement, the groups said there has been a rise in targeted media coverage and social media posts attacking organizations that support migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers in the community. They warned that such narratives are not only unfair but dangerous, as they put staff, volunteers, and vulnerable migrants at risk.
The statement added that as leaders in the migration, human rights, and legal sectors, they felt it was necessary to come together to show unity. They stressed that threats and intimidation should not be allowed to silence organizations providing critical support to migrants and refugees.
They also made a strong call to journalists and media outlets to act responsibly. The groups said media coverage and headlines should be based on facts and integrity, not narratives that divide communities and encourage hate. They urged reporters to avoid stoking fear or hostility toward migrants.
The lawyers and NGOs concluded that protecting refugees and asylum seekers is a duty that should not be undermined by threats or political pressure. They vowed to continue their work despite the growing risks, while calling on authorities and society to stand against intimidation and support fairness and dignity for all.