Declan Monaghan

Am I missing something? A TikTok influencer makes a video linking issues such as the housing crisis and crime with immigration. People respond—many vehemently disagree. He deletes his account. Suddenly, elected politicians and public figures are ‘standing in solidarity’ with him? Every single day, human rights defenders—disabled activists, and those from marginalised communities—face vile abuse and systemic silencing. I’ve spent 30 years fighting for justice, calling out the structural inequalities that keeps people excluded. Not once have I seen a national campaign or a public outpouring of political support when we are targeted or dismissed. So a social media personality faces accountability, and suddenly he’s the victim? What kind of country are we becoming, when challenging prejudice is treated as persecution, and those working for inclusion and justice are left to face the prejudice, discrimination and hate alone? It honestly feels like an alternate universe.