Despite the pleas and support of her church, Saint Aidan's Orthodox Church in Levenshulme, Manchester and Burnage High School which her eldest son attends, the Home Office have refused to reconsider her case - arguing instead that the appeals adjudicator considered her an unreliable witness. This argument has been refuted by the church, the school and by Hiwet and her community. Hiwet and her family are facing the uncertainty of deportation to Eritrea, and the consequences of a breakdown in British justice.
John Abraha who is just 14 years old could be killed as a deserter, and the younger children sent to orphanages. Eritrea is covered with minefields and many border villages, including the Abraha's original home, see regular military and bandit activity. Leading journalists have disappeared and assassination has become a feature of political life in Eritrea.
Father Gregory Hallam added: �These children have lost their father, presumed dead, now they face losing their mother. It is heartbreaking to witness their constant tears. Their pain and suffering is terrible and they have been inconsolable.�
Hiwet�s eldest son, John, summed up: �We had to leave Eritrea because of the war and, at first, we went on foot to Sudan and then came to England. We like it here and I�m happy at school and would like to stay here and do my studies.�
Support the Hiwet and her Family Must Stay Campaign c/o 400 Cheetham Hill Road, Manchester M8 9LE. Write to the Home Office, 50 Queen Anne�s Gate, London SW1H 9AT quoting reference number A1094616/2 with copies to the Campaign.
National Coalition of Anti-Deportation Campaigns (0161 740 8206, [email protected])