Please contact the Home Office and ask them to revoke Kabran's removal directions; to release him from detention immediately; and to allow him more time to make a fresh claim for asylum in the UK based on new evidence which has arisen.
Why is this important?
Originally from Ivory Coast, Kabran Didier-Eric Yao has been in England for over a year. He is currently being held at Campsfield immigration detention centre near Oxford and has been given removal directions to be returned to Ivory Coast on 30th July. Kabran has so far been unable to see a solicitor in detention, and is at risk of being deported before he has the chance to make a fresh claim for asylum.
Kabran fled from Ivory Coast in 2013, where his life was in danger due to his involvement in the Ivorean Popular Front (FPI). When the FPI lost power after a disputed election in 2010 more than 3,000 FPI supporters were killed, among them Kabran’s brother.
When Kabran arrived in the UK, he was feeling safe enough to make Bristol his home and has become an integral part of his local community. He became known as a good student in his English classes, he helped out in the kitchen in the local community centre, he regularly attended the local mosque and he supported new arrivals, particularly French speakers. He even supported England in the world cup.
Kabran's claim for asylum was rejected earlier this year; however, new evidence has arisen which will form the basis of a fresh claim. If returned to Ivory Coast, Kabran could be in danger of arbitrary detention, torture or death. If returned before he has had the opportunity to speak to a solicitor, it will be a blatant breach of justice.
We call on you Stephen Williams, as Kabran's local representative in this country, to ask the Home Office to revoke Kabran's removal directions; to release him from detention immediately; and to allow him more time to make a fresh claim for asylum in the UK based on new evidence which has arisen.
We want Kabran to stay with us. He is part of our community. He belongs in Bristol. Please support our friend, Kabran, in his search for safety.
