As the latest figures from UNHCR estimate that there are now more than 103 million forcibly displaced people around the world, UK for UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency’s UK charity, is launching a new campaign to highlight the wide range of contributions refugees have made to British society, and to reflect the solidarity the public has shown towards people fleeing conflict and persecution this year.
The campaign, Two Truths And A Lie, launches today with support from TV personalities including Angela Barnes (a regular face on Mock the Week), Ed Petrie (star of CBBC’s Marrying Mum and Dad and All Over the Place), Esther Manito (from ITV2’s Stand Up Sketch Show) and Glenn Moore (renowned for his critically acclaimed stand-up show Glenn, Glenn, Glenn, How Do You Like It).
With a new twist on the popular icebreaker quiz of the same name, the Two Truths And A Lie campaign aims to surprise and inform more people about the positive impact refugees, and those who were forced to flee their homes, have on communities, society and culture.
The campaign centres on an online quiz in which the four comedians act as virtual quiz hosts, asking questions on topics ranging from literature and politics to food and sport. The charity hopes the quiz will not only test the public’s general knowledge, but also encourage people to look past stereotypes and learn more about the refugee cause.
This year, the war in Ukraine and other global crises have forced millions of people to flee their homes to find safety. Mirroring the UK’s history as a place of refuge, an Ipsos 2022 survey found that four in five (80%) Britons believe people should be able to take refuge in other countries, including Great Britain, to escape war or persecution. Additionally, the survey, which was conducted online among British adults aged 16-74, found that 55 per cent of Brits agree that refugees make a positive contribution to Britain.
“UNHCR is one of my favourite causes to get involved in. I saw their work first hand filming in Eastern Europe during the Syrian refugee crisis and I think they’re one of the most important charities out there.”
Comedian, actor and presenter Ed Petrie
The survey also found that one in three (37%) Brits said they had taken at least one action to support refugees in the past year, so the charity is encouraging everyone to take the Two Truths And A Lie quiz at www.unrefugees.org.uk/TwoTruths
People can find out more about the campaign at: www.unrefugees.org.uk/ColdTruth
