Too often, conversations about asylum seekers and refugees are conducted without their voices being heard. Instead of speaking about them, we believe it is far more powerful to speak with them—to listen to the personal experiences of new arrivals to the UK.
In light of the unprecedented surge of violence this summer, targeting asylum seekers, immigrants, and people of colour across the UK, it has become even more crucial to change the narrative. One of the most impactful ways to foster understanding is by dedicating time to listen to the real-life stories of those who have chosen the UK as their new home.
These stories highlight the resilience, hope, and humanity of people who have been forced to leave everything behind. Though each journey is unique, all reflect the common thread of seeking safety and a better future. Here, we share three very different stories:
ERNESTO
A journalist who had to leave El Salvador for daring to speak out against the government.
MARIA
Who fled the conflict in Ukraine and arrived in the UK with her family, adjusting to a new life amidst uncertainty and loss.
GULWALI
An Afghan refugee who endured a harrowing journey as a child, now an advocate for displaced people worldwide, using his story to inspire change.
These stories offer a window into the realities behind the headlines. By listening, we can break down barriers of fear and misunderstanding, fostering a society where empathy and solidarity prevail over division and hostility.