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Prevention of Racial Harassment Project

Asylum seekers and refugees are increasingly becoming a target for racist abuse. Misinformation and hostility towards asylum seekers in sections of the national media and within some communities has led to increased hostility.

Rwandan refugee woman

The Prevention of Racial Harassment Project, based in Oldham in Greater Manchester, is unique in the UK. It works in partnership with the local authority and statutory, charitable and community organisations to promote a better understanding of the issues facing asylum seekers and refugees to prevent harassment.

The racial harassment officer provides support to agencies that work within the community to reach out to asylum seekers and develop policies and practices that will enhance integration.

The project gives skills training on tackling racial harassment to organisations that have day-to-day interaction with asylum seekers, like housing providers and the Citizens Advice Bureau. Direct support, advice and assistance are also given to people experiencing racial harassment.

The project also works with asylum seekers and refugees in the community to give asylum awareness talks to local agencies, schools and places of worship.

Promoting positive and accurate stories about refugees in the local media is an important part of the project’s work.

Neighborhood-based work in the Werneth area to bring communities together and increase interaction between asylum seekers and the host community is currently being developed.

Project details

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