In the midst of this disheartening incident in the UK in recent days, KMEWO (Kurdish & Middle Eastern Women Organisation) stands in solidarity with the families of the three girls killed and eight people injured at a dance class in Southport on 29th July 2024 and condemns all this kind of atrocity against people, especially women and girls. We send our heartfelt condolences to the girls’ families and hope that such incidents will never happen again.

KMEWO came together 25 years ago to promote the rights of the most marginalised black and minoritised women in the UK, most of whom are migrants, asylum seekers and refugees underwent abuse and trauma. Our work in the women’s sector reflects the values of respect for human dignity, inclusion, and equal opportunities for all. The UK is a place with a strong tradition in all of this and we have found great supporters here who have accompanied us on this long journey and to whom we are grateful. And now it is with great sadness that we see all these incidents of racism in 2024; a step backwards for humanity.

But here we are! United and even more determined never to let it happen again. We stay here strong to promote and protect the human rights and dignity of all people, regardless of their gender or religion, for a fairer world. The newly appointed government must ensure that every single person in this country enjoys their fundamental human rights and we all must work together in this direction.

Sawsan Salim

Director at KMEWO