Refugee Week 2008

Khaiber Rahim's good looks first drew attention from the fashion industry while he was in his native Afghanistan, but he and his family had to flee the country because of the Taliban. He has recently attended a photoshoot with a modelling agency in London Photograph: PR

Ramtin Montzemy is a famenco guitar player from Iran. He does not have permission to work in the UK, because he hasn't yet been granted refugee status, but he plays charity gigs. "The thing I love about Britain is that no one comes to check the type of music you play, if it fits with the rules of your country." Photograph: Richard Byrne/Richard Byrne

Marie Lyse came to the UK seven years ago from Rwanda. She has set up a catering cooperative, an African women's solidarity group and a tailoring initiative with other refugee women. "I refused to let being labelled a 'refugee' hold me back," says Lyse. Photograph: Sarah Booker/Sarah Booker

Mir Mahfuz Ali is a Bangladeshi performance poet. He received a bullet in the throat from riot police at a protest. "Now I can write about anything or any subject without fear," says Ali. He was included in the New Writing Ventures Awards shortlist 2007 for emerging literary talent. Photograph: PR

Mickey Mohsen Saad (centre) was an unaccompanied minor fleeing war-torn Somalia. In Glasgow, he studied theatre and formed the group Fugees with three other young people. He has also set up his own events management company. "Whilst Scotland gives to me, I'll give to it," says Saad. Photograph: Peter Iain Campbell/Peter Iain Campbell

Hamed Sabri Dashti is a heavyweight boxing and kickboxing champion from Iran. He arrived in the UK in February and has been sent to live in Leeds. "I had to leave all my medals behind when I fled from Iran. Now I only have some photos. The Home Office took my Olympic card, as evidence for my asylum claim." Photograph: PR

Michael, a public affairs consultant from London, and Faduma, a mother and student from Somalia, met through charity Time Bank's mentoring scheme Time Together. "Michael helped me to apply for a university course and to understand the best way to go about finding a job. Before I met him I felt afraid." Photograph: PR