Refugee agency criticises UK media

Refugees sometimes encounter prejudice and hostility

A United Nations refugee agency has strongly criticised the UK's media, saying it is stirring up hostility against asylum seekers.

According to the Swiss-based UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) a public backlash has been sparked by press coverage of the anti-terrorist operations in Britain.

Concern is being expressed about the way asylum-seekers are being portrayed, particularly links being made between terrorism and those people seeking asylum.

While condemning anyone involved in such acts, the agency says the actions of a small minority should not tarnish the reputation of the vast number of law-abiding refugees.

They've come here to seek safety for them and their families and they're now in danger of being persecuted here in Britain.

Simon Taylor
UNHCR

Simon Taylor, of the UNHCR in the UK, told BBC News: "We're very concerned that the current tabloid frenzy is going to try to get across the message to the British people that all asylum seekers are potential terrorists, which is clearly nonsense.

"And we're concerned this is creating an atmosphere of hostility towards all refugees.

"We should remember they've already fled a climate of fear and persecution and their lives are at risk.

"They've come here to seek safety for them and their families and they're now in danger of being persecuted here in Britain."

Security has increased in the UK

Mr Taylor added there were 90 million foreign visitors to the UK every year, providing a much more likely way in for terrorists than among the 90,000 asylum seekers.

This is not the first time the agency has expressed concern about the treatment of asylum seekers by the media.

After 11 September, the agency made a similar plea for tolerance and accurate reporting.

Recent reporting of anti-terrorist operations in the UK has also provoked anxiety from human rights group Liberty.

The campaign group said on Friday it was afraid the coverage - and comments from politicians - would prevent anyone brought before the courts from having a fair trial.