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THREAD. Some home truths and perspective on the negative #refugee media stories and alarming UK Government rhetoric on this issue. Some numbers and facts below to prove point, but let's remember we are talking about human beings here. It should not have to come to this. 1/9
85% of world's 79.5 million forcibly displaced people are hosted in developing countries. Not #Europe. Not #Kent. 40% of forcibly displaced people and 51% of refugees are #children. These children are seeking protection. They are not stealing jobs or services. 2/9
39% are hosted in just 5 countries. The UK is nowhere near this list (more below).68% of those seeking protection come from just 5 countries experiencing oppression or conflict. Google them. 3/9
#Europe is experiencing around half of the numbers of asylum applications as during the humanitarian crisis of 2014-2016. This trend/fact doesn't spread fear or win votes, therefore is largely ignored. 4/9
The UK receives around 4% of the total asylum applications made in the EU (not the world!). #France receives about 3x more than us, #Germany 4x more than us. We are not "overridden" and can and should do more. 5/9
Contrary to recent (totally legally wrong) language about "genuine" refugees, the very strict Home Office itself grants protection/ leave to remain to 50% who arrive hereAnd 70% are successful after final decision on appealSpoiler: because they are fleeing persecution 6/9
It is not nice to reduce this matter to numbers. We @justrightscot spend our lives working w/ adults & children seeking protection + every person is unique. It is a humbling job. But the rhetoric this weekend should be countered. Actual facts will help. 7/9
Sources: https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statistics-explained/index.php?title=Asylum_statistics
https://www.unhcr.org/refugee-statistics/
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https://www.unhcr.org/refugee-statistics/
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If interested please follow and, if you can, donate to orgs working in this area (including us!): @scotrefcouncil @BritishRedCross @GovanCP @AberlourCCT CommunityInfoSource @Refuweegee @shelterscotland @refugee4justice @RefugeeSurvival and many more. 9/9
