| Caushllari
Family must stay!
The Caushllari family came from Kosovo
to the UK in September 1999. Behar Caushllari is of mixed ethnic origin;
his father was Kosovan whereas his mother was from a Serbian family and
he states that he had to choose between Christainity and the Muslim religion.
Keze Caushllari had experienced years of
persecution because of her Roma origins and their children Ardit and Klaurent
suffered discrimination at school because they were children of mixed
ethnicity. Their neighbours in the small village where they lived were
hostile towards them and Behar found it very difficult to find work.
When Behar refused to fight for the KLA
the villagers suspected him of having affiliations with the Serbs and
held him in a house for 7 days where he was beaten and ill-treated. He
managed to escape, and neighbours told the family to leave or Behar would
be shot like other Serbs in the village. In March 1999 bullets were fired
at the family's home and they fled to Macedonia.
Behar returned to his village in August, but their house had been burned
down and again he was warned to leave. They paid the entire family's savings
to an agent and made arrangements to travel.
The family's first solicitor advised them
to present simple evidence at their hearing. Consequently; when more details
emerged under cross-examination, the adjudicator questioned their credibility,
saying that all this evidence should have been disclosed as part of the
initial hearing, and dismissed their appeal. An application to appeal
to Tribunal was also refused.
Behar fears for his life if the family are
returned to Kosovo.
Behar and Keze have attended their local
college in Middlesbrough and gained certificates in English and IT. Their
greatest fear is for the future of their children. Both boys are making
excellent progress and their schools have written letters of support asking
that they be allowed to remain and continue with their education.
Keze is expecting a baby in February. She
is under the care of a consultant at a Newcastle hospital because her
medical history raises concerns about complications with the pregnancy.
The added worry of their imminent removal which has been set for a week's
time is causing immense stress.
Keze says that her 4 years in the UK have
been the only time in her life that she has been treated with respect.
All the Caushllaris ask is that they be
allowed to stay so that they can live in peace, and see their children
grow up in a community free from discrimination and fear.
The Home Office have set a removal date for the family at the end of this
month.
What you can do to help:
The campaign have prepared a
model letter attached which you can copy/amend/write your own and
write or fax: Beverley Hughes - Minister for Citizenship and Immigration
Fax: 020 7273 2043 from outside the UK + 44 20 7273 2043
Or write direct:
Beverley Hughes
Minister for Citizenship and Immigration
Home Office
50 Queen Anne's Gate
London SW1H 9AT
The campaign have prepared petitions which they are asking people to sign
and circulate to get as many signatures as possible.
Copies can be obtained from:
Caushllari Family Must Stay Campaign!
c/o 66 Dovecot Street
Stockton-on-Tees
TS18 1LL
Enquiries/further information:
Kath Sainsbury
01642 679298
ncadc-north-east@ncadc.org.uk
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