REFUGEES
| October 2024 As the summer of disorder proved, there is lots of misplaced hate against asylum seekers caused by untruths and myths. Some members of HWR recently undertook some media training from IMIX – a charity which tells the human side of the migration story – which also included general information about busting myths, presenting accurate information and having difficult conversations with detractors. Here are a few common sayings and the reality behind them: Myth – everyone comes here The UK is home to only around 1% of the 27.1 million refugees who were forcibly displaced across the world. Myth – they come here illegally There is no such thing as an “illegal” person seeking asylum. Under international law, anyone has the right to apply for asylum in any country that has signed the 1951 Convention and to remain there until the authorities have assessed their claim. Other than limited government resettlement schemes (such as the one for Afghans and Ukrainians), there is no legal way to travel to the UK for the specific purpose of seeking asylum. Myth – they come here for benefits and get given houses People seeking asylum flee their home country because of war and persecution. They do not get large handouts from the state and often aren’t aware of the benefit system before they come, but come here because they know family or friends are here. Generally they live on less than £9 a week from the Home Office in a catered hotel, which is around £460 a year, meaning they often can’t afford the basics including clothes, nappies and powdered milk. Sources include: The truth about asylum – Refugee Council |
CHRISTMAS CAMPAIGN – from Action by Christians Against Torture (UK)
https://www.acatuk.org.uk/copy-of-prayer-vigil-july-2017
For this campaign, which is published every year in November, we suggest that you write a simple card or greeting to an individual saying, for instance, that you are thinking of him/her and/or perhaps urging them not to lose hope (or words to that effect). A picture postcard is always welcome and cheapest to send. You can include your name and address (if you wish) but we ask you – please not to mention ACAT or include a religious greeting (if so advised,) as communication from a foreign organisation can endanger the prisoner and lead to harsher sentences. Several individuals featured in our last Christmas Campaign have been released. Sadly others are still in prison and it is important not to forget any of them. As usual, we include a selection of rights groups.
