Countering Hatred and Oppression

Public Statement: Countering Hatred and Oppression – Supporting community cohesion and Social Justice in the light of current local, national and international conflicts.

Many charities here in the UK have stepped up their efforts to promote cohesion and combat extremism in light of escalating international conflicts; e.g. in Ukraine and Palestine/Gaza. Such efforts have also increased at a time when racist, antisemitic and anti-Muslim hate crimes have been increasing. More recently we have also seen an escalation in hate crimes toward migrants arriving across the UK.

At SOAR we support the Charity Commission statement that Charities must not allow their premises, events or online content to become forums for hate speech against any community or to promote unlawful extremism.

As a charity SOAR is free to campaign so long as it relates to our charitable purposes.

We stand in solidarity with the oppressed peoples: 

As a community organisation rooted in North Sheffield, SOAR has a long history in supporting people and communities who have experienced oppression and the many forms it takes.  We continue to do so in our day-to-day work.

At SOAR we are actively engaged with the whole community, including both established and new communities and people that have fled persecution and intolerance, those displaced by war, conflict and occupation and humanitarian crisis.

At SOAR we have very clear commitments to calling out oppressive behaviour and in tackling social injustice and inequality in all its forms.

Our commitments are clear:

• We will speak out against all forms of oppression, bigotry and hatred.

• We will take action in support of justice, inclusion, peace, and sustainability for all communities we are in contact with.

• We will refuse partnerships that conflict with our principles or are known to support or promote hatred and injustice either directly or through third parties.

• We will not allow our premises, events, or delivery of support to become platforms for hatred, injustice and oppressive behaviours and practices.