Last year, a Sudanese friend felt he had no other option but to return to Sudan. He had retained the right to work in the UK due to some previous ruling that had never been revoked, and he continued to work, pay rent and bills, and pay all his taxes and national insurance contributions. He also supported other people who had lost their homes, had no money, were lost in the system, and was generally a kind and compassionate man.
There is always one factor over all others that pushes people to forsake hope and return to a country they fear. In this case it was the illness of an aging father.
We tried to work out how we could ensure that he would be safe when he returned home. The strategy was to work with a western backed NGO, and to stay in touch.
Last week I received several emails indicating that suddenly things were very different. Foreign workers were being sent on "holiday". Those who were away were being told not to return. Short wave radios were being issued, and people were being told to ensure supplies of food in their homes, and electricity.
Making enquiries in the UK it became clear that something major was happening. News was breaking over the weekend that the ICC (International Criminal Court) were being approached to issue a warrent for the arrest of President Bashir of Sudan. The ICC are considering whether to charge him with war crimes and constructing the genocide of the people of Darfur. Phoning Sudan several times over the last few says I am trying to stay in touch, and keep an eye on my friend in Sudan.
Sunday the Press reported that "thousands" were demonstrating around the City of Khartoum, parading in support of the Sudanese Presdent. Although it also seems clear that these demonstrators are largely from the employ of the Government, nonetheless there is a concern that demonstrators can become rioters and attack anyone working for a foreign based NGO.
After several months of daily, sometimes several times daily, email correspondance with my friend in Sudan, today there is nothing. His last email to me was that he was going to send something important today. No matter how many times I check my email account, there is nothing. The telephone system in Sudan does not seem to be as efficient today.
Whenever anyone applies to the International office of Migration (IOM) for return to their country of origin, they must sign a waiver before they board the plane. This waiver says that they do not hold the UK Government responsible for anything that happens to them after they return.
But something stirs within me when I know the life that is offered here. The hope, the loss of hope, the fear, destitution, impoverishment of life and of spirit, deterioration of health and mental health. Some people say that they would rather die here in such circumstances than be returned to what they believe will happen to them in their country. Others believe that they cannot cope with the loss of hope that visits them here, and that at least they have an understanding of what will happen to them "back home". This coercion, this deprivation. Maybe the returnee can waive the rights to hold anyone responsible for what happens to them. But we don't have to.
There is always one factor over all others that pushes people to forsake hope and return to a country they fear. In this case it was the illness of an aging father.
We tried to work out how we could ensure that he would be safe when he returned home. The strategy was to work with a western backed NGO, and to stay in touch.
Last week I received several emails indicating that suddenly things were very different. Foreign workers were being sent on "holiday". Those who were away were being told not to return. Short wave radios were being issued, and people were being told to ensure supplies of food in their homes, and electricity.
Making enquiries in the UK it became clear that something major was happening. News was breaking over the weekend that the ICC (International Criminal Court) were being approached to issue a warrent for the arrest of President Bashir of Sudan. The ICC are considering whether to charge him with war crimes and constructing the genocide of the people of Darfur. Phoning Sudan several times over the last few says I am trying to stay in touch, and keep an eye on my friend in Sudan.
Sunday the Press reported that "thousands" were demonstrating around the City of Khartoum, parading in support of the Sudanese Presdent. Although it also seems clear that these demonstrators are largely from the employ of the Government, nonetheless there is a concern that demonstrators can become rioters and attack anyone working for a foreign based NGO.
After several months of daily, sometimes several times daily, email correspondance with my friend in Sudan, today there is nothing. His last email to me was that he was going to send something important today. No matter how many times I check my email account, there is nothing. The telephone system in Sudan does not seem to be as efficient today.
Whenever anyone applies to the International office of Migration (IOM) for return to their country of origin, they must sign a waiver before they board the plane. This waiver says that they do not hold the UK Government responsible for anything that happens to them after they return.
But something stirs within me when I know the life that is offered here. The hope, the loss of hope, the fear, destitution, impoverishment of life and of spirit, deterioration of health and mental health. Some people say that they would rather die here in such circumstances than be returned to what they believe will happen to them in their country. Others believe that they cannot cope with the loss of hope that visits them here, and that at least they have an understanding of what will happen to them "back home". This coercion, this deprivation. Maybe the returnee can waive the rights to hold anyone responsible for what happens to them. But we don't have to.
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