The Children's Society Supports National Refugee Week
18 June 2007
Refugee Week this year celebrates Britain's proud history of offering sanctuary to those, including children, fleeing from torture, rape and persecution. Cities across the UK are hosting a wide range of art, culture and schools events with the aim of cementing Britain's reputation as a place of safety between 18-24 June.
A new report* launched today to highlight Refugee Week, shows that people in the UK volunteered 1.5 million hours to help refugees and asylum seekers last year. The findings highlight that for many Briton's there is real concern about what is happening to asylum seekers and refugees in this country and they are increasingly prepared to do something about it.
10,000 people are actively volunteering for organisations across the country working with people fleeing persecution. Results also indicate that organisations working with this group are experiencing a rise in requests for volunteering opportunities in this area. Young volunteers under 25 are the most active in working with refugees, but people of all ages are involved.
The report shows that the picture painted of British people as hostile or indifferent to refugees is wrong, and lays to rest the common misconception that Britons are unwelcoming.
The Children's Society believes that children seeking asylum in England need to be treated as children first and foremost. But the UK Government doesn't treat children seeking asylum as children. Legislation designed to protect them from harm or abuse is often not applied to asylum-seeking children.
You can show your support for these children by registering your support for the chance for a good childhood for every child. We will let you know more about our work with young refugees and children seeking asylum.
Refugee Week launches in Birmingham on Saturday 16 June, at Celebrating Sanctuary, an arts and culture festival. The event includes music, dancing, a mock refugee camp, exhibitions, activities for children and food from around the world. For more information visit: www.refugeeweek.org.uk <http://www.refugeeweek.org.uk>
Media Enquires: Samantha Shaw tel: 020 7841 4422
-The research for the report was undertaken by Andrew Miller of Active Learning Research Associates on behalf of TimeBank. For further information, and copies of the report, please contact Carina Crawford at Refugee Week.
-Every year during Refugee Week hundreds of events are organised across the UK. In 2006, 450 small and large events, ranging from big music festivals and art exhibitions to political debates, film screenings, conferences, school activities, sports and community events. For ore information visit: www.refugeeweek.org.uk <http://www.refugeeweek.org.uk>, or contact Carina Crawford on 020 7346 6752 or carina.crawford@refugeecouncil.org.uk