Minn Family Belong in the Shetland's

   Hazel Minn and her two adopted sons, Simon (11) and Vincent (12) are ethnic Karen from Burma. Two years ago, with their situation in Burma deteriorating, Hazel sold her remaining possessions to pay for flights to the United Kingdom for herself and the boys. On their arrival they came to Shetland to stay with Hazel's aunt and uncle, the boys' grandparents. They arrived in the UK on a visitors visa and subsequently applied for asylum. Because they had not claimed asylum immediately the Home Office categorized the family as illegal entrants and Hazel was told that they should leave the UK immediately of they would be forcibly repatriated to Burma.

   Belonging to the Karen people and having spoken out against the brutal military regime in Burma, Hazel and the boys would be in severe danger if they were to return.

   The people of Shetland were outraged at this treatment and a campaign (Shetland Against Deportation) was immediately organised. Support was overwhelming from the community which welcomes and values the family and is determined that it be allowed to stay in peace and safety in Shetland. Alistair Carmichael, Member of Parliament for Orkney and Shetland, worked untiringly, hand in hand with Shetland Against Deportation.

   As a result of the campaign the Home Office agreed in April to review the case. More than three months later the case is still 'under active consideration'.

   Burma cannot be considered a 'safe' country for the repatriation of people seeking asylum. Shetland Against Deportation, with the wonderful support of the local community, is determined that this will not happen to the Minn Family.

The case was raised by Rob Gibson, Member of the Scottish Parliament, during the Refugee Week debate and this resulted in eighteen MSPs and many employees of the Scottish Parliament signing the petition.

   The campaign continues - collecting signatures on a petition, encouraging people to send letters to Des Browne and David Blunkett, raising funds against possible legal costs and keeping the case in the public eye. The people of Shetland continue to show magnificent support - over 6,000 people have signed the petition (more than ≈ of the population of the islands).

   What you can do to help:
   Shetland Against Deportations (SAD) is asking everyone to Fax/write to the Minister for Immigration Des Browne - requesting that the Minn family  is allowed to stay. You can use the model letter attached. Copy/amend/write your own version, feel free to add your own comments.

You can fax Des Browne on 020 7273 2043, or from outside the UK +44 20 7273 2043

Or write direct to:

Des Browne
Minister for Immigration
Home Office
50 Queen Annes Gate
London
SW1H 9AT

Please notify the campaign of any letter sent:
info@shetlandagainstdeportation.co.uk

Shetland Aainst Deportations

Shetland Against Deportations (SAD) is a non-profit, non-political voluntary organisation working to stop deportations from Shetland. Feedback is appreciated.
01595 693654 or 01950 477525

Shetland unites in battle to halt deportations

Kirk in family deportation plea

Source for this page:
Shetland Aainst Deportations