Because You Were There

Migrants' Rights Network

Hosted by the Migrants' Rights Network, a UK campaigning charity that stands in solidarity with migrants including refugees, Because You Were There explores the relationship between migration, colonialism, racism, queerphobia and other forms of identity. Because You Were There takes an in-depth look at the root of hostile immigration policies and borders in the UK and Europe, and who they are aimed at.

Episodes

  1. 01/17/2025

    Migration narratives with Marvin Rees, former Mayor of Bristol

    What is driving an increase in harmful language on migration in the UK? We sat down with Marvin Rees, former Mayor of Bristol and recently appointed member of the House of Lords to discuss this issue. This conversation took place at the end of a week that saw the re-emergence of a debate on systematic child sexual exploitation and attempts to link this with migrant and racialised communities. Hosted by Julia Tinsley-Kent. Follow us on social media: Instagram and threads @migrant_rights_network BlueSky @migrantsrights.bsky.social www.migrantsrights.org.uk

    52 min
  2. Anti-Blackness and Migration with Black Lives Matter UK

    10/28/2024

    Anti-Blackness and Migration with Black Lives Matter UK

    Migration cannot be understood without an understanding of the impact of colonialism and racism, including anti-Blackness. To discuss this, Ana is joined by Kojo from Black Lives Matter UK to discuss the Black liberation struggle, and the intersections between migrant justice and racial justice.  Black Lives Matter UK is an anti-racist, anti-capitalist campaigning organisation working towards liberation for Black working class and other oppressed people across the world. They continue the Black radical tradition in their approach to collective liberation, and mobilise in solidarity with all oppressed groups around the world. They recognise and fight to put an end to the neo-colonial and imperialist structures that keep oppressed people subjugated worldwide.  Follow us on Instagram @migrants_rights_network https://migrantsrights.org.uk/

    35 min
  3. Immigration Raids

    09/12/2024

    Immigration Raids

    Immigration raids are a fear mechanism. They are a form of racist State intimidation and divide racialised communities. Following the publication of our report on immigration raids, in this episode, the MRN team is joined by community campaigner, Son, to dissect the anatomy of immigration raids. Hosted by Julia Tinsley-Kent, Fizza Qureshi and Lauren Fernandes. Follow us on Instagram @migrants_rights_network https://migrantsrights.org.uk/

    56 min
  4. Masculinity and Migration

    07/25/2024

    Masculinity and Migration

    The single male migrant has become one of the most maligned groups of people in Western popular thought. But why? Why, even in ‘pro-migrant’ arguments, does empathy tends to extend to women and children but stops when it comes to men, especially when they are Black and Brown men? Hosted by Julia Tinsley-Kent and Fizza Qureshi. Follow us on Instagram @migrants_rights_network https://migrantsrights.org.uk/

    43 min
  5. Migration, Gender and Queerness

    06/24/2024

    Migration, Gender and Queerness

    In this episode, the Migrants' Rights Network discuss their Who is Welcome: Gender, Queerness and Migration campaign which aims to disrupt harmful assumptions around gender, sexuality and migration. The discussion delves into the ongoing impact of racist, colonial-era perceptions of gender and queerness, and the severe policy implications for marginalised people in the UK immigration system. Hosted by Anastasia Gavalas and Julia Tinsley-Kent. Follow us on Instagram @migrants_rights_network https://migrantsrights.org.uk/

    1h 2m
  6. Migration and Patrotism

    05/13/2024

    Migration and Patrotism

    Does patriotism harm the struggle for migrant justice? In this first episode, the Migrants' Rights Network unpack the concept of 'reclaiming Englishness', British values and culture, and how these ultimately fuel division and alienate migrants and racialised people. Hosted by Anastasia Gavalas and Julia Tinsley-Kent. Follow us on Instagram @migrants_rights_network https://migrantsrights.org.uk/

    1h 2m
  • 6 Episodes

About

Hosted by the Migrants' Rights Network, a UK campaigning charity that stands in solidarity with migrants including refugees, Because You Were There explores the relationship between migration, colonialism, racism, queerphobia and other forms of identity. Because You Were There takes an in-depth look at the root of hostile immigration policies and borders in the UK and Europe, and who they are aimed at.

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