The Charity Commission has taken the rare step of removing the names of trustees from several refugee charities listed on its register due to a potential safety risk.
It reportedly did so after the Home Office gave the names of some organisations it had meetings with about asylum accommodation to a “far-right influencer” following a freedom of information request, according to reports in the Guardian.
While the commission usually lists all trustee names on its register, it can grant dispensation if displaying an individual’s name could put them or others in personal physical or mental danger.
At least three charities – City of Sanctuary UK, the Refugee Council and Refugee Action – do not currently have trustees listed on the commission’s register.
The Guardian also reported that other refugee charities have been forced to install safe rooms in their premises, relocate to less visible sites and in some cases close their offices.
Heads of some organisations have also received “credible death threats”, it reported, according to police sources.
CEO of Refugee Council Enver Solomon said: “The growing hostility towards refugees is having very real consequences for not only the men, women and children who have fled places like Sudan and Afghanistan, but also for the charities trying to help them.
"Leaders in the sector, myself included, have had to think about our own and our organisation’s personal safety in ways that have not had to be done before."
Intervention mulled over cards to refugees
The commission is assessing whether to intervene over the City of Sanctuary UK after concerns were raised about its activities.
Former Conservative education secretary Gavin Williamson complained to the commission after some schools in support of the charity carried out an annual arts activity where children sent cards to refugees around Valentine’s Day with the message: “Showing your heart for refugees”.
A commission spokesperson said: “Concerns have been raised with us about alleged political activity linked to City of Sanctuary.
“We are currently assessing the information available to determine if there is a regulatory role for us.”
A spokesperson for City of Sanctuary UK said: “Our work has been deliberately misrepresented by a dangerous campaign built on false and inflammatory claims.
“These attacks not only put our staff and the school communities we support at risk, but are part of a wider strategy: to sow division and fuel hostility towards people seeking sanctuary.
“This is not just an attack on us – it is an attack on the values of compassion, safety and solidarity.”
The Home Office, Refugee Council and Refugee Action have been contacted for comment.
