Colin Firth, Mark Haddon and Eugene Hutz of Gogol Bordello, have all contributed to the 2nd issue of the New Londoners, a free London newspaper which is available throughout the capital from Sunday and for the duration of Refugee Week.
The unique newspaper was put together by volunteers, members and staff from the Migrant Resource Centre in London. The New Londoners aims to dispel some of the myths created by mainstream media in their reporting of refugee and asylum issues. It provides an alternative and realistic view of the contribution of immigration to the capital, differing from that which is often portrayed. The newspaper also provides a voice of those who are normally reluctant, for obvious reasons, to come forward and reveals some of their more alarming and distressing experiences.
Nazek Ramadan, Media and Policy project co-ordinator in the Migrants' Resource Centre, said: “ When did you last read a positive story about a refugee or asylum seeker? This is how the New Londoners newspaper project was created. We wanted to produce something that provided those, who had read enough, with their own means to address these issues. Most importantly we wanted to make a publication that would have a mainstream appeal . It had to be something that commuters into London would want to read and we really hope we have achieved that with our wide range of contributors, interview and features. The entire project was put together voluntarily and we hope it plays some small part in building understanding between communities.’
“We also want the paper to be a celebration of London. Throughout its history, the city has welcomed new Londoners who bring a piece of the world with them. New Londoners bring with them a wealth of talent, skills, culture and energy which contributes to London’s vibrancy. No wonder London is often described as the capital of the world as once in London, you are everywhere in the world. Any music, food, and culture you can find it here.”
The launch of the New Londoners co-incides with the start of the Celebrating Sanctuary event on the South Bank on Sunday 15 June.
Seeking Asylum is not a crime... it is a human right.
'Torn' is a short film produced for MRC by Hotdog and mustard films.'Torn'tells of the experiences of three of our media group members offleeing persecution, seeking asylum in the UK and of their hopes for the future.
'Torn' is a short film produced for MRC by Hotdog and mustard films.'Torn'tells of the experiences of three of our media group members of