UHfR & SAFETY
Why we do NOT share details of our work?
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The communities we work with are under constant threat and face many security risks.
Ongoing attacks against and oppression of migrants and refugees and those who support them made it clear that we cannot risk the safety of those involved in our project. Across the globe, we are witnessing increasingly repressive political climates and a rise in racist and xenophobic sentiments which constitute serious risks to the safety and security of our association, our members and the individuals and refugee communities we support. Anti-migrant discourse and sentiment is radicalising and has already led to many racially-motivated attacks against migrants, refugees and those who stand in solidarity with them. Our working as a civil society initiative to counteract those sentiments and actions is not only difficult in terms of financial means but in many cases it is also dangerous due to risks of legal prosecution, physical and verbal attacks and other targeted actions by racists and other extremists.
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For many migrants and refugees, escaping a conflict zone does not mean they have arrived to safety. While on the move or once settled in a new country – either permanently or precariously – they remain politically, socially and economically vulnerable and are always at risk of harassment and (systematic) oppression. Safety and security in transition-, or third countries are not guaranteed.
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Disclosing the identities or personal details of the individuals we work with, or sharing any information about their location and living conditions can have life-altering consequences for them. Furthermore, our volunteers who are in contact with migrant communities could also face serious consequences for their involvement.
Therefore, for the safety of the refugee communities we are in contact with and that of our volunteers, we cannot share any pictures or information that could be indicative of location, or that could be construed as critical of certain actors – state or non-state – who could harm them.