2011 is the 60th anniversary of the UN Refugee Convention, the international treaty which guarantees refugees’ rights. The Refugee Convention has saved countless lives and no country has ever withdrawn from it. 2011 also marks 60 years of the Refugee Council and despite the challenges it is facing, it will be celebrating this anniversary in style.

Refugee protection is part of the UK’s national history and is something that the UK should take pride in. The Refugee Council wants the UK government to know that people are proud to protect refugees.

This year, the Refugee Council is aiming to get 10,000 people to speak up for refugee protection by signing our 60th anniversary pledge. It is asking for your support –  please add your name now.

The Refugee Convention is as important today as it was 60 years ago. Refugees are ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances, forced to leave their homes and their families to escape from war, torture and persecution. The Convention exists to make sure that these people can get the protection they need. Refugees are people who simply want safety – something that we all take for granted – and we must always be prepared to welcome them.

Be one in 10,000: call on the government to ensure that our asylum system always provides a safe haven to those who need it. Sign our pledge today.

At a time when refugee services are under threat from funding cuts, it’s more important than ever to stand up for refugees.