MANY people in recent times have felt bombarded by news reports on asylum-seekers in the UK.

Good or bad, accurate or misleading, nearly all of these reports have one thing in common. They have failed to point out the valuable contribution of refugees to this country - in the arts, business, science, sport and a host of other pursuits.

Neither, of course, do many reports tell us why people come to Britain - effectively leaving out information on the human rights abuses suffered in places like Afghanistan, Zimbabwe, Iraq, Turkey, Sri Lanka and Somalia.

This year sees Amnesty International attempting to put across a more balanced account through publicity for the events of "Refugee Week" - a set of themed activities up and down the country from June 17-23.

So, amid the euphoria of the Queen's Golden Jubilee and the World Cup, Amnesty International is asking readers to look behind the headlines, go to the special website at www.refugeeweek.org.uk, get involved in follow-on activities where you can and, above all, celebrate this country's proud tradition of finding a safe haven for those persecuted in other countries.

MARTIN MEREDITH

Secretary

Amnesty International Wyre Forest Group,

Avon Road

Kidderminster