The image of Ako sitting desolate on the steps of a tenement close having just learned of his eviction is one that struck a particular chord with me when I first watched filmmaker Chris Leslie’s short documentary ‘Destitution’ (below).
In the film Ako returns home to find that the locks had been changed on his temporary accommodation. His asylum claim has been refused and he is now homeless. The image is a glimpse into the precarious existence that many asylum seekers cope with day after day.
I wanted to know more about Ako so I was delighted when he agreed to share his experiences with me.
Powerless
The initial impression I got from the Stop Destitution campaign film chimes well with the experience Ako tells me about when we meet at the Scottish Refugee Council office. “Two months ago they gave me back Section 4 and temporary accommodation. And then two weeks ago they stopped it once again,” he tells me.
Section 4 support is short-term support given by the UK Border Agency to people seeking asylum whose claim had been refused, but are unable to return to their home country.
As Ako talks, I sense his feeling of being powerless and of having his life dictated by forces beyond your control. “They refused my asylum claim,” he explains. “I tried to make an appeal but I lost my chance because my lawyer did not apply in time.”
The stop-start nature of the asylum process means that there are huge gaps in provision of support. When Ako falls into one of these gaps he is left with nowhere to live and nothing on which to survive. Completely destitute, he gets by with the support of community and church groups.
Right to work
One of the long-term recommendations of our research report into destitution (LINK) is the right for asylum seekers to work. Like most people seeking asylum, Ako is enthusiastic and eager to support himself.
I have to fight… to protect life and to protect dignity. I don’t want to keep silent” – Ako
He continues his activities as a journalist and human rights activist from his exiled home in Scotland. He is a member of the National Union of Journalists (NUJ); he has written for the Herald and has been invited to speak at conferences across the UK.
Ako fled Kurdistan (Kurdish region of Iraq) due to persecution and fear of violence. The same skills as a journalist and activist that made him unsafe to remain in Kurdistan mean he could make a contribution to our own society. However, due to current UK asylum rules, he faces destitution.
Act now
If you want to end refugee destitution, support our Stop Destitution campaign and sign our petition.
