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Plea to tackle asylum seeker 'untruths'
NEGATIVE views of asylum seekers are threatening to undermine race relations, Camden Council leader Jane Roberts has admitted.
And she said it was vital local authorities were "braver" in changing the mindsets of those who were hostile to asylum seekers.
Councillor Roberts (Labour) made her call at the launch of a new report on asylum and public attitudes.
"Local authorities must take the lead in tackling the untruths that are dividing our communities. Too often initiatives preach to the converted. We need to be braver. We must engage with people who hold these misconceptions about asylum.
"We need to bring people together to break down barriers."
Camden Council has developed a new project called RAISE (Refugees Access Into Sustainable Employment) after setting up a panel into the problems refugees have in finding jobs and training.
Councillor Roberts added: "Through schemes like RAISE, we can show the benefit that incoming groups can bring to the community.
"We need to use education, health and community initiatives to get people who don't talk, talking. That is the best way we can break misconceptions."
* A NEW legal guide to help asylum seekers and legal professionals working on their cases has been launched. The guide was out together by Legal Action for Women, a free legal service based at Crossroads Women's Centre, in Kentish Town Road, and collates information based on the centre's work over the years. For more information call 020 7482 2496.
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