Refugee Week: Where do UK refugees come from?

Afghanistan has been in the midst of a civil war since 1978. This has severely affected the country's infrastructure and caused large scale displacement of people within and outside the country, as well as high levels of poverty. Access to basic facilities like clean water, electricity and basic health care has beceome very poor as a result.

The ethnic fabric and geopolitical situation of Afghanistan entails a high risk of discrimination amongst different
ethnic groups. Gender discrimination is rampant with women being deprived of education and access to health as well as being prevented from taking part in community related activities

Frequent occurrences of natural disasters like floods, droughts, earthquakes, landslides and severe winters further increase the vulnerability of an already struggling population.

According to the CRED-International Disaster Database, there were 57 large-scale disasters between 1970 and 2006, with an estimated 21,300 people killed and approximately 11 million affected. Climate change is also fuelling an escalation in the frequency and intensity of disasters.
For further information on the British Red Cross' work in Afghanistan with images and video, follow this link - http://www.redcross.org.uk/thumbnails.asp?id=86732

Visit http://www.lookbeyondthelabel.org to find out how you can help the British Red Cross' work with refugees

Various sources have forecast that the political situation in Iraq is to remain highly unstable throughout the period of 2009-2010. Violence among Iraq’s various communities will persist and
fluctuate, as the struggle for power becomes more fragmented.

Although the number of casualties has reduced from 80 per day in early 2008 to around 20 in June 2008,
security sharply deteriorated in the last week of July 2008. The explosions in Kirkuk and Baghdad
proved that whenever the security situation is marked as improved, different insurgent groups target
civilians to prove that the situation is far from what can be characterized as good and secure.

Road travel remains unsafe for both foreigners and Iraquis and kidnappings of civilians are likely to continue as a means to gain money from ransoms.

The humanitarian situation in Zimbabwe has dramatically deteriorated in recent years: a combination of social, economic and political factors has created a complex humanitarian situation and a highly vulnerable population.

Shortages of basic food commodities and unpredictable rainfall patterns have threatened the food security of millions across the country. The situation has been made worse by the contraction of economic activity in all sectors, inefficient health delivery system, water supply shortages and poor sanitation facilities. These factors are  further compounded by the debilitating impacts of the HIV and AIDS pandemic.

To hear the story of a Zimbabwean Refugee living in the United Kingdom, follow this link - http://www.lookbeyondthelabel.org/ticha.html

Eritrea gained its independence in 1991 after 30 years of struggle that left the country with both its infrastructure and economy in ruins. In 1998, another war broke out with the neighboring Ethiopia and this war had great negative impacts on the socio-economic and humanitarian situation of the country. Today, a there is a fragile peace and Eritrea faces the gigantic tasks of rebuilding its infrastructure and developing its economy after more than 30
years of fighting.The unresolved border issue compounds other pressing problems. These include Eritrea's
inability to provide enough food; two thirds of the population receives food aid.

Added to post-war challenges, Eritrea faced five years (1999-2004) of drought which resulted in widespread crop failures. However, the 2005/2006 rains resulted in a promising, crop production, vegetation and pasture for livestock. However, it is still estimated that it will take 3-4 consecutive good rain seasons for a full recovery of the agriculture and livestock sectors as well as replenishment of ground water.

Historically known as Persia, Iran was engaged in an eight-year war with Iraq between 1980 and 1988. Thousands on both sides remain unaccounted for and the continuing danger of unexploded landmines and other munitions mean civilians still suffer the effects of the conflict 20 years on.

The situation in Iran has proved controversial both domestically and internationally, with inflation running in double figures, and the UN Security Council stepping up sanctions on the country for allegedly not stopping uranium enrichment in compliance with Council demands.

Iran hosts more refugees - nearly two million - than any other country in the world. Most are from Afghanistan and are dispersed throughout the country.

At the same time, tens of thousands of Iranians have left the country for political, social and economic reasons.

For information on the latest elections in Iran visit:
http://uk.news.search.yahoo.com/search/news?p=iran+elections&ei=UTF-8