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Amnesty International is a global movement of over 3 million people committed to defending those who are denied justice or freedom.

The facts on refugees and asylum seekers

10 January 2011, 02:32PM

Refugees and asylum seekers are not a threat. They are ordinary people who have been forced to leave their homes to escape human rights abuses, such as violence, persecution, torture, or worse.

There are many misconceptions about refugees and asylum seekers. These misconceptions are that are part of the problem that prevents us seeing permanent changes in policy. Below, read six facts about refugees and asylum seekers to help you set the record straight.

You can help by sharing these facts about refugees and asylum seekers through your online social networks:

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How you can help

Without setting the facts straight in the debate surrounding refugees and asylum seekers, we'll never see a permanent shift in the policy.

Further reading

Refugees' real stories, video, 22 December 2010.
A year ago on Christmas Island, blog, 17 December 2010.
Stopping the spin on ‘the boats’, blog, 6 December 2010.
When you think about the boats, think again, feature, 22 November 2010.

A 12 year old Afghan girl in in Kabul © UNHCR / J. Tanner

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