Racism, destitution and asylum. PAFRAS briefing paper number 6

Aims

This briefing on racism is part of a series that provide concise analyses of key policies and concerns relating to people made destitute through the asylum process.

Methodology

Policy analysis, results from a survey on racial harassment with 20 service users and data from interviews PAFRAS [Positive Action for Refugees and Asylum Seekers] drop-in users.

Key issues

The paper discusses the issue of racist victimisation, provides some figures, and discusses under-recording of harassment. Respondents had experienced racist victimisation from the public, the police, immigration officers, and staff at immigration removal centres.

Conclusions

Popular racism requires analysis in a context of institutional racism.