Facts & quizzes

Definitions

‘Everyone has the right to seek and to enjoy in other countries asylum from persecution.’
Article 14.1, UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights, 1948

‘The term “refugee” shall apply to any person who:… owing to a well-founded fear of being persecuted for reasons of race, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion, is outside the country of his nationality and is unable, or owing to such fear, is unwilling to avail himself of the protection of that country.’
United Nations Convention relating to the Status of Refugees, 1951

Refugee: The word ‘refugee’ is often used to describe anyone who has fled their home. But it also has a precise legal meaning. A refugee is someone who has fled to another country to escape persecution and who has made a successful claim for asylum. This means they can stay in that country, having proved they would face persecution back home. 

Asylum seeker: An ‘asylum seeker’ is someone who has fled to another country to escape persecution and exercised their legal right to apply for asylum, but who has not yet received a decision.

Did you know?
Discover a few facts about refugees and asylum seekers.

Timeline
Find out about events that have caused refugee movements to Britain and about UK and international asylum legislation. 

What do you know?
Test your knowledge – and your assumptions – about refugees and asylum seekers.

In the news
Uncover the facts behind the news print. 

The citizenship test: how would you do?
See whether you would pass the 'Life in the UK' test, which all potential citizens have to take.