Ros Wynne-Jones pens the Real Britain segment weekly in the Daily Mirror, advocating against government austerity measures and championing the cause of common citizens.
Abdul Musa Adam, my childhood friend, embarked on a perilous journey from war-ravaged Darfur to the UK when he was just seven years old. Forced to flee due to his village being ravaged by Janjaweed militias, Abdul and his brother Yusuf were among the four sole survivors who traversed a harsh desert for six days under the care of two adult survivors.
Such harrowing refugee odysseys often commence in similar fashion. Abdul, deeply attached to his homeland, was compelled to leave due to ongoing conflicts, repeatedly uprooting his life in search of safety.
After enduring the perils of Chad and a civil war in Libya, Abdul found himself in the UK at the age of 13, clinging underneath a smuggler’s lorry for survival. His traumatic past contrasts sharply with Nigel Farage’s proposed “mass deportations” under Reform UK’s radical policies, which involve detaining and expelling women and children.
However, the question arises: where would Abdul be deported to? His destroyed village? A famine-stricken country engulfed in conflict and labeled as one of the most dangerous places globally? A place he left as a young child with no ties remaining?
Farage’s callous stance, illustrated by dramatic rhetoric and extremist displays, disregards the human aspect. Despite his past successes and recognition, including a prestigious Daily Mirror Pride of Sport Award, Abdul’s mental well-being has been severely impacted by the looming threat of deportation.
Amidst rising far-right sentiments and anti-refugee sentiments, individuals like Abdul face increased anxiety. Despite attempts to integrate into society, the fear of violence and persecution remains a daily reality for many asylum seekers and refugees.
The plight of individuals like Abdul and countless others underscores the need for empathy and understanding in the face of political posturing and public hostility towards migrants. It is a crucial moment for society to stand up against hatred and misinformation, and for the genuine majority to voice their support for those in need of sanctuary and compassion.