GOOD or bad, accurate or misleading, nearly all of the news reports on asylum seekers have one thing in common: they have failed to point out the valuable contribution of refugees to this country-- in the arts, business, science, sport and a host of other pursuits.

Neither, of course, do many reports tell us why people come to Britain -- effectively leaving out information on the human rights abuses suffered in places like Afghanistan, Zimbabwe, Iraq, Turkey, Sri Lanka and Somalia.

This year sees Amnesty International attempting to put across a more balanced account through publicity for the events of 'Refugee Week' up and down the country throughout June 17-23.

So, amid the euphoria of the Queen's Jubilee and the World Cup, Amnesty International is asking readers to look behind the headlines, go to the special website at www.refugeeweek.org.uk, get involved in follow-on activities where you can and, above all, celebrate this country's proud tradition of finding a safe haven for those persecuted in other countries.

IRENE RYAN, MARIAN PENNY, JOHN ASHER, JANICE BRETHERTON, DONALD JEPSON, JOHN FISHER, PG HOPE, ULA PENNY, R HORN, CELIA BALL, Blackburn with Darwen Amnesty International Group, Paradise Lane, Blackburn.