What is it about?
This article presents a model for organising in defence of the rights of refugees and asylum seekers. It is based on long-term research regarding an organisation in northern England. This model includes five distinctive characteristics: (1) a set of values focused around internationalism and collective action; (2) a membership based on a shared opposition to racism; (3) a structure of participatory democracy; (4) action taking the form of community mobilising; (5) resources gathered through community fundraising.
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Why is it important?
Asylum seekers in Britain face distinctive forms of oppression, which have been widely documented. However, there has been a lack of analysis of the root causes of this oppression and the strengths and limitations of different ways of responding.
Perspectives
This article draws together elements on a programme of qualitative research together with several years of direct experience. It expands on the organisational lessons suggested in my book Refugees, Capitalism and the British State.
Dr Tom Vickers
Nottingham Trent University
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Developing an independent anti-racist model for asylum rights organizing in England, Ethnic and Racial Studies, October 2012, Taylor & Francis,
DOI: 10.1080/01419870.2012.734391.
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