Abrahim is one of a group of young Afghans who came to the UK as unaccompanied children in 2002 fleeing the Taliban and tribal conflict in Afghanistan. The young refugees settled in Kent where they have made friends and many have excelled in their studies at schools and colleges. The Government has refused to extend their Exceptional Leave to remain when they reach eighteen and is now piloting the deportation of minors to the Balkans. After witnessing Abraham's treatment the young men are very frightened that a letter instructing them to sign will result in their automatic detention.

Local people are very angry at the treatment of young refugees like Abrahim. In November 2004 students of the Canterbury High School organized a successful campaign to stay both deporations when Abrahim and his friend Amin Buratee were snatched from Amin's home in Whitstable in November 2004. Abrahim was then sent to Dungavel Removal Centre in Scotland. On the same day that Abrahim was again detained supporters from CAYR, Community Action for Young Refugees were gathered outside Dover Removal Centre to call for the release of another of Abrahim's Afghan friends. They expressed their shock and dismay on hearing that Abrahim had been snatched, to local media..

Abrahim is terrified of being returned to Kabul in Afghanistan where his father was murdered by the Northern Alliance when they gained control from the Taliban in 2002. Abrahim's father was targeted because he had worked as a Brigadier in the Interior Ministry under the Communist Party ( The PDA) and then under force for the Taliban when they ruled. Abrahim fled after the body of his father was returned from detention to the family home with a note attached saying that he too would be killed. As a Hazara ( one of the most persecuted ethnic groups) Abrahim stands out because of his distinctive oriental appearance. He is therefore at risk from both Taliban and Northern Alliance forces. Since leaving Afghanistan Abrahim has lost contact with all family members. This makes him especially vulnerable.

Amnesty International in a letter specific to Abrahim's case state, “Abrahim Radii's…. absence from the country and more importantly his lack of known family and social links with Afghanistan would place him in an unprotected state. Unless he had the patronage of a powerful leader he would essentially be on his own.” Amnesty confirm the risk to Abrahim as a person whose family were linked with the Communist Party. “A risk of persecution to a person with PDPA family back ground may come from the victims' families who wish to take revenge for any perceived crimes committed by the appellant's family during the Communist regime. Reprisals against family members for crimes committed by another member is possible.” And in relation to Hazara ethnicity, “ Individuals in Afghanistan continue to face persecution on a number of grounds including ethnicity, religion and gender. There are Hazaras with positions in government …….. however, Hazaras do remain the poorest ethnic group and the least represented in provincial and national government. “

Amnesty says that the new government in Kabul remains, “incapable of providing even a basic degree of protection to the population. The state is weak and the rule of law has not taken hold.” They refer to the constant wave of suicide bombings in Kabul and an increase in crime. Afghan nationals are often the casualties of violence directed at international agencies. They conclude “unequivocally” that circumstances have not changed and hosting countries should not believe that “ Afghanistan is conducive to the return of asylum seekers and refugees.”

Abrahim is terrified of forced removal to Afghanistan. He has recently become so depressed that he his GP has prescribed anti depressants and referred him for counselling. Even so Abrahim has worked hard to rebuild his life. He has been studying English at

Canterbury Christ church University College supplemented with lessons from
Judith Baker an EFL teacher and teacher trainer who qualified at the Institute of Education,University of London. Judith and her daughter Bella are supporting Abrahim's right to remain in the UK. Judith says of Abrahim.

“ Abrahim is a rapid learner who has made rapid progress with each lesson. Between lessons he did an astonishing amount of homework. He approached all his learning tasks with determination and intelligence. In thirty years of teaching I have rarely seen such an able and conscientious student. I am convinced he would succeed in anything he chose to study and would make a valuable contribution to this country.”

What you can do to help
   Kent Campaign to Defend Asylum Seekers (CDAS) with friends and supporters have set up a campaign to try and persuade Tony McNulty, Minister for Immigration to allow Abrahim to remain in the UK. The campaign has drawn up a petition and model letter, which they are asking everyone to print off, fill them in and get as many other people as possible to do the same, and return them to the campaign office. When they have collected enough signatures, the campaign will present them to the Minister.

Download model Letter: AbrahimRahimiML.doc

Download petition: AbrahimRahimiPT.doc

Let your friends know about the 'Abrahim Must Stay Campaign' and get them to visit the web page read about the case and download the model letter and petition.

· For further information please contact

'Abrahim Must Stay Campaign'
Kent Campaign to Defend Asylum Seekers
PO Box 192
Whitstable, Kent, CT5 1WA.
kadams314@supanet.com

Source for this page: 'Abrahim Must Stay Camapaign'