|
|
For positive asylum and immigration rights
A huge contribution
Today’s multicultural Britain is the product of waves of migrants
and refugees who chose to come and live in this country, seeking a better
life or fleeing persecution. From the 18th century Huguenots, to Jewish
refugees in the 19th and 20th centuries, through to today’s migrants
from Eastern Europe and Africa, British culture and society has been
shaped and moulded through the contribution of migrants and refugees.
Many
household names and leaders in their field are refugees or children
of refugees, including Ben Elton (comedian and writer); Rachel Weisz
(actor); Alan Yentob (BBC creative director); Alec Issigonis (designer
of the Mini);
Paul Hamlyn (publisher); and Eva Jiricna CBE (architect).
Exposing the racist myths (factsheet)
The Respect Trust works to raise awareness about the realities of migration
and asylum in the UK today. The Trust seeks to inform and educate
against the wave of misinformation and lies that are peddled in sections
of
the media, some politicians and others.
The Trust helps local organisations
such as trade union or students unions to organise discussions and
debates on issues relating to asylum and immigration
involving asylum seekers and refugees where possible and appropriate.
Together
with UNISON, UK’s biggest public sector trade union and
the National Assembly Against Racism, the Trust has published a Myths
and Facts briefing, which challenges the most
commonly expressed prejudiced views of immigration and asylum.
Supporting Refugee Week (Refugee Week)
The Trust supports Refugee Week and encourages people to get involved.
The next Refugee Week will be 18th-24th June 2007.
|