MUSLIM ENGAGEMENT & DEVELOPMENT (MEND) LAUNCHES A NEW REPORT DEBUNKING THE RACIST “MUSLIM GROOMING GANGS” NARRATIVE

Rights group Muslim Engagement & Development (MEND) have launched a new report Unmasking the Myth: The Fallacy of the “Muslim/Asian Grooming Gangs” Narrative, which debunks the Islamophobic narrative that has dominated discussions around child sexual exploitation (CSE). CSE is a heinous crime that causes profound trauma to its victims who should remain the primary focus of any genuine concerns and efforts to protect children and combat abuse.

However, the racialisation of this issue diverts attention away from victims of CSE, while further dividing communities and fuelling Islamophobia. Unmasking the Myth reveals how the “Muslim grooming gangs” narrative perpetuates dangerous stereotypes about entire communities, emboldens far-right ideologies, and more concerningly harms the victims it purports to address. The report exposes how this narrative is built on flawed research and racialised ideas which have been propagated by certain politicians, media outlets and far-right figures, despite the abundance of evidence showing it is based on deeply problematic research.

Justice for CSE victims must remain a priority and the government must act on the recommendations of the Jay Inquiry to ensure this and protect all children from harm.

Commenting on the issue, Linsay Taylor, CEO of MEND, said:

“The fact that child sexual exploitation is used as a political football in an attempt to score points against the opposition is and should be deeply offensive to us all. Child sexual exportation is a heinous crime that leaves victims with lifelong trauma. It is essential that consideration of the victim, their needs and wellbeing is at the centre of all discussions, interventions and actions relating to CSE. We therefore implore the government to act on the findings of the previous inquiry, implement all 20 recommendations and start working to tackle the issue.”

Notes to editors

About Muslim Engagement and Development:

MEND is a not-for-profit company that helps to empower and encourage British Muslims within local communities to be more actively involved in British media and politics. British Muslims have remained on the margins of public and political debate about their religion and place in modern Britain for too long and the level of Muslim participation in media and politics remains woefully low. MEND seeks to enable British Muslims to engage more effectively with political and media institutions and play a greater role in British politics and society by instilling confidence, competence and awareness. Enhancing mainstream participation by communities that are under-represented and vulnerable is an important step towards deepening and strengthening our democracy.

For further information please contact [email protected]

www.mend.org.uk