by Nathália Urban
Dozens of fascists march in the streets and terrorize us. We are hunted like animals in our cars, houses, places of worship, and on the streets of the city we love and have carefully chosen as our home. Our businesses are destroyed and looted, and our physical and emotional integrity is threatened.
This is the reality for immigrants and ethnic minorities in the United Kingdom, and some say that we must be strong and endure what they call a “passing wave of hate”. We are tired of being strong and constantly having to prove ourselves as good citizens in order to get the slightest respect. Dignity, something that I thought was primary to all human beings, is a luxury item in the United Kingdom, where the political establishment ignores the plight of the working class and in(directly) fuels racist and xenophobic rhetoric, blaming immigrants who work and contribute as the main vectors of problems created by an inhumane economic system.
The media often does not help. Cheap sensationalism and distorted news contribute to the marginalization of immigrants. We are portrayed as parasites when, in fact, we work hard in jobs that sustain the British economy. We are in hospitals, schools, construction sites—everywhere work is needed—yet we are treated as second-class citizens.
What is most outrageous is that the authorities do not do enough to protect our rights and dignity. How often do we see xenophobic attacks treated with indifference? How often do we hear that “there is nothing that can be done”? Such passivity is complicit in our oppression.
We immigrants deserve respect. We contribute to the cultural, economic, and social diversity of this country. Our presence should not be a reason for division but rather for mutual enrichment. It is unacceptable that we have to live in fear, facing prejudice and violence simply for existing.
The Islamic community, the primary target of the far-right, deserves all of our love and care. The attacks they suffer are not only physical but also psychological, leaving invisible scars that take a long time to heal. Every time a mosque is vandalized, every time a Muslim woman is assaulted on the street, we feel the pain of an injustice that seems never to end. It is devastating to see how hatred blinds people, transforming cultural and religious differences into reasons for violence.
The impact of these aggressions extends beyond the individuals attacked; it resonates throughout the entire community. Each act of violence reminds us of the fragility of our security and the urgent need for solidarity and mutual support. It is a painful reminder that, despite all the contributions we make to society, we are still seen by some as intruders.
However, even in the face of this darkness, we find strength in each other. The resilience of the Islamic community is proof of our determination to live with dignity, educate our children with values of peace and respect, and continue to build bridges of understanding. Our faith teaches us to persevere, respond to hatred with patience, and work tirelessly for justice.
We should not allow fear and hatred to define us. Each of us has the power to challenge prejudice, educate our neighbours, and show that, in the end, we are all part of the same humanity. Our struggle is for a world where everyone can live without fear, where diversity is celebrated, and where compassion triumphs over hatred. I am tired of having my existence treated as a threat simply because I come from somewhere else and have a different culture.
It is time to say enough is enough. The fight against the far-right is not just ours; it is for all who believe in justice, equality, and humanity. We will not be silent. We will continue to resist, united, to build a United Kingdom that is truly inclusive and fair for all.
And to my dear immigrant and BAME brothers and sisters, a reminder: Each of you brings a story of courage, resilience, and determination. You contribute daily to this country’s cultural, economic, and social richness, and that is something no one can take away from us. Do not allow the hatred and ignorance of extremists to define who we are or our path.
Nathália Urban is a Brazilian journalist and international correspondent based in Scotland
