As we launch the Guardian and Observer’s 2023 charity appeal, we are in the middle of a winter crisis of destitution among refugees on the streets of the UK and a passionate debate over the strength of Britain’s commitment to providing refuge to people fleeing war and persecution.
The principle of offering protection to refugees, and supporting them to rebuild their lives in safety, drives the fantastic work of our three appeal charities. We believe it is also a sign of a civilised society. As the author Gillian Slovo said on the 70th anniversary of the UN refugee convention two years ago: “It’s what makes us human, the fact that we recognise suffering in other human beings and we do what we can to alleviate it.”
