PROJECT
Responding to the 2024 Racist Riots
A sector-wide initiative focused on confronting the root causes of the August 2024 racist riots and establishing long-term strategies for violence prevention, led by the Race Equality Foundation, in collaboration with Muslim Charities Forum, the Alliance for Racial Justice, and NAVCA.
Background
In August 2024, the UK saw widespread racist riots targeting minoritised ethnic and religious communities. The unrest, falsely linked to a tragic event in Southport, was rooted in racism, Islamophobia, and misogyny.
The Government’s failure to recognise the true scale and underlying causes of the violence underscored the urgent need for collective action.
In response, the Race Equality Foundation, with partners Muslim Charities Forum, Alliance for Racial Justice, and NAVCA, launched a sector-wide initiative in September 2024 to analyse these events, reflect on their causes, and support action to prevent future racist violence.
This vital work is ongoing.
Key outputs
- A four-part ‘Responding to the Racist Riots’ webinar series.
- Summary report ‘Understanding the Racist Riots of 2024 and what should be done’ drawing on insights from the webinars.
- Research outlining practical steps at a national and local level.
A united response
From November to December, the coalition held four webinars exploring the intersectional causes and impacts of the riots from systemic racism, to increasing male perpetrated violence, inadequate protections for healthcare workers, and the spread of demonising racist narratives.
The webinar series brought together twenty one expert speakers and over four hundred participants, including key stakeholders from across sectors, to explore the root causes of the 2024 racist riots and co-develop long-term, anti-racist strategies to prevent future violence and strengthen community resilience.
Insights and lessons from these crucial conversation informed our ‘Summary Report of a series of webinars on ‘Responding to the Racist Riots’ Report.
Understanding the Racist Riots of 2024 and what should be done
This report brings together key insights from our ‘Responding to the Racist Riots’ webinar series. It outlines six clear and actionable policy solutions to address the root causes of the 2024 racist riots and build long-term community resilience.
Further Reading and Resources
Explore reports, articles, and resources and access further support and guidance.
In this powerful report, Roger Kline, leading race equality in healthcare researcher, examines the NHS’s inadequate response to the 2024 racist riots.
The report outlines five urgent steps to protect staff and tackle everyday racism across all levels of the NHS.
Journalist and Historian, Taj Ali, confronts the reality of racially motivated violence during the racist riots through first-hand accounts.
The article calls for a bold, unapologetic anti-racist response, rejecting scapegoating and encourages a politics of hope.
A list of organisations dedicated to supporting families and children impacted by the horrific events taking place across the country.
These resources provide mental health support, community engagement, and practical assistance to help navigate challenging times.
Our response to the Children’s Commissioner’s 2024 Riots report, urging them to address the damage caused by the publication. While the report gives voice to those arrested for their involvement in the riots, it is silent on the children, young people and communities who were targeted.
A recent article published in The BMJ highlights the ongoing issues of racism and Islamophobia in the NHS, particularly in the aftermath of the racist riots of the summer of 2024.
If you are interested in working with us or want further details please email Halima@racefound.org.uk
