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The ICM poll, commissioned by the British Red Cross, explores people’s perceptions of refugees and asylum seekers. It highlighted widespread confusion about the numbers of refugees currently living in the UK. Eighteen per cent of respondents thought that half of the world’s 9.9 million refugees live in the UK, when in fact the figure is less than 3 per cent (302,000 people), according to the United Nations.*
Young refugees speak up
During this year’s Refugee Week, the Red Cross is focusing particularly on young refugees. It has launched a social networking campaign to give young people who have sought sanctuary in the UK the opportunity to tell their stories through a series of video diaries.
One of the diarists, 17-year-old Charles Fon, fled to the UK from Cameroon after his parents were killed because of their involvement in politics. Alone in Manchester, he joined a Red Cross peer education project.
“I now have knowledge of first aid and I travelled out of Manchester for the first time because of the Red Cross,” said Charles. “I went to many places, met a lot of people and made friends.”
Dougray Scott gives support
The campaign is being given a boost by actor Dougray Scott, a long-standing supporter of the Red Cross, who has also recorded a video diary.
Dougray explained: “Young people – including children who may have arrived in Britain alone and without their family – can be particularly vulnerable. Some have experienced violence and trauma and need extra support. The Red Cross helps them access essential services and find their way around.”
The Red Cross is also taking part in a number of Refugee Week events around the UK, to celebrate the contribution made by refugees to life in the UK and raise awareness of the issues involved.
*Figures for close of 2006, Office of UN High Commissioner for Refugees
Find out more about Refugee Week | 
