Anne Frank Trust Youth Ambassadors Share First‑Hand Experiences of Discrimination and Champion The Power of Upstanders at Number 10 Downing Street

Youth Ambassadors from the Anne Frank Trust UK, who have witnessed or experienced antisemitism, anti‑Muslim hatred and other forms of prejudice, met senior advisers at Number 10 this week to share their lived experiences and call for stronger education to tackle rising levels of prejudice.

The meeting, which took place on 15 April, was organised by the Anne Frank Trust and brought together four of the Trust’s Youth Ambassadors at Number 10.

The meeting comes at a time of heightened concern about social cohesion in the UK, with young people growing up amid rising levels of antisemitism, anti‑Muslim hatred and polarising online discourse.

Educators and policymakers have increasingly emphasised early intervention as a key tool in preventing prejudice from becoming entrenched.

During the meeting, the young people spoke openly about discrimination they have faced in schools and everyday life, the impact of online and media narratives, and why education at an early age is critical to improving social cohesion, preventing hatred and equipping young people to become active upstanders when others are targeted.

Hana, 15, Cheshire – Anne Frank Ambassador

I've experienced Islamophobic microaggressions shaped by media stereotypes. I'm seeing how increasingly toxic narratives around diversity are affecting how young people see one another and themselves.

Another Ambassador, Amirat, 15, from Walsall, reflected on the impact of hearing directly from a Holocaust survivor through the Trust’s programmes. She said:

Amirat, 15, Walsall – Anne Frank Ambassador

Hearing a Holocaust survivor speak made the reality of antisemitism and all forms of hatred impossible to ignore. Listening to someone who lived through it helped me understand the human impact of prejudice and why it must be challenged early.

Dan Green, Chief Executive of the Anne Frank Trust, said:

Dan Green – Chief Executive

Young people have a crucial role to play as active upstanders in challenging all forms of prejudice. Bringing their voices directly into Number 10 was a powerful reminder that those affected by hatred and discrimination can be part of the solution.

The Anne Frank Trust shared evidence from its national education programmes, which use the life and diary of Anne Frank to empower young people aged 9 to 15 to recognise and challenge antisemitism and all forms of prejudice.

In 2025, the charity reached more than 132,000 young people across England and Scotland, with over 90% of participants showing improved pro‑social attitudes after completing the programme.

The meeting builds on the Trust’s ongoing engagement with Government and civil society and follows national commitments to strengthening social cohesion and promoting shared values among young people.

Looking ahead to 2027, the 80th anniversary of the publication of The Diary of Anne Frank, the charity discussed opportunities for national collaboration to ensure young people across the UK continue to learn about the importance of standing up to prejudice and hatred.