Raped woman loses High Court fight for asylum (From The Northern Echo)

Raped woman loses High Court fight for asylum

8:41am Friday 10th July 2009

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As supporters march to highlight plight of refugees, a young mother learns she is to be deported.

A MOTHER-OF-TWO who fears torture if she is returned to her war-torn homeland has lost her High Court battle for asylum.

Elizabeth Kiwunga, who has the backing of two Church of England bishops and an MEP, is facing removal to Uganda after her final appeal for asylum was dismissed.

The 33-year-old’s two children, Hilary-Marie, three, and six-month-old John, could also be sent to the African country.

The family returned to Darlington after supporters secured their release on bail last year from a detention centre.

Ms Kiwunga sought asylum after she said she had been raped and tortured in Uganda.

The family has attracted support from people in Darlington, who have written letters of support and held vigils and rallies to help her cause The Reverend Sheilagh Williamson, of St Columba’s Church, Darlington, who has led the campaign to prevent Ms Kiwunga’s removal, said: “We are devastated.

It is very upsetting.

“She is frightened of going back, and no matter how much a judge tells her it is safe, how do you put your fears aside when you know what you have been through?”

PROTESTORS are calling on the UK Border Agency to relax police reporting conditions for asylum seekers who have to travel miles to their nearest station.

Tees Valley Citizens for Sanctuary walked six miles from Middlesbrough to Stockton to highlight the plight of more than 50 people who make the journey regularly.

The group, made up of an alliance of faith, refugee and citizen groups, is trying to arrange a meeting with Jeremy Oppenheim, regional director for the agency, to resolve the problem.

Barbara Hungin, one of the group’s organisers, said: “There are many people who are being forced to walk to Stockton to report. They don’t have a problem with reporting, but why can’t they do it at their local station?

“If they fail to sign on the register they can be marked as absconded, which can result in arrest.

“Some of these people are not fit enough to make the walk, especially in bad weather, but they have no alternative because they can’t afford public transport.

“We have written to the UK Border Agency to try and set up a meeting. To be fair Mr Oppenheim has replied, but, ironically, he has asked us to travel down to Sheffield for the meeting.”

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