Building a movement of solidarity

The lives of Disabled people, refugees and migrants of all status are impoverished and restricted to varying degrees by deliberate policies, routine practices and the ways that society is organised.

This is not inevitable.

Our principles

Immigration restrictions and inequalities are disabling and racist. A ‘social model’ approach can build solidarity and resistance. To build a broader, more effective movement we call for systemic change based on the values of:

‘Nothing about us, without us’: We recognise and respect the essential knowledge that comes from lived experience.

Solidarity: The solidarity of a movement is needed to enable everyone to contribute in ways they choose without putting anybody at risk.

Transparency and honesty: We recognise that some organisations are constrained by funders and charitable requirements. We will seek different ways for people to contribute without putting anyone in difficult positions.

Anti-capitalism: Human value is not determined by economic contribution.

Equity: We recognise that it is disabling to be denied services and support.

Difference: We may sometimes have different priorities but we seek ways to learn from, and avoid undermining each other’s work through misunderstanding.

Justice: We combine efforts to resist disabling restrictions and to create a society in which nobody is ineligible for the services and support required to meet human needs and live a full life.

Anti-racism: Racism is embedded in policies, institutions, and everyday practices that devalue and exclude people based on race, ethnicity, and migration status. We commit to challenging these injustices and connecting migration to anti-racist struggles.

Care and compassion: Recognising that we live under oppressive systems, we seek to practice care and compassion for each other and ourselves. We recognise the importance of inclusive organising that does not add to the unequal burden on people already living in precarious situations.

Organisations

Disabled people against the cuts (DPAC)
Disability Rights UK (DRUK)
Healing Justice London
Inclusion London
Institute of Race Relations (IRR)
Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants (JCWI)
Migrants organise
Migration Mobilities Bristol (MMB)
Migrant Rights Network
National Survivor User Network (NSUN)
Praxis, for migrants and refugees.
RAPAR
Bristol Reclaiming Independent Living (BRIL)
WinVisible. Women with visible and invisible disabilities

To join the network and receive updates, please send your details. We welcome individual members as well as organisations.