Aram 2nd from the left outside Immigration appeal co

ARAM RAWF - LATEST NEWS

Why he left Kurdistan

The story of this remarkable man is both inspiring and heart wrenching. Born in Suleimania, he fled torture and certain death at the age of 17. His father was a fervent supporter of the Islamic Movement of Iraqi Kurdistan (IMIK). In1999 he ordered his son to join the military wing of IMIK.  Aram refused and was consequently handed over to be deployed as a suicide bomber. Aram continued to  refuse and was then tortured for two months in an attempt to persuade him. He managed to escaped and fled Iraq via Iran and eventually arriving in the United Kingdom in May 1999.

Upon arriving in the UK he immediately claimed asylum and has established a remarkable life since that time.

http://www.myspace.com/aramrawf 

TIMELINE

MAY 23rd 1999 - Arrived in the UK and claimed asylum (age 17)

* Studied English and IT at Adult Education College in Margate

* Started voluntary work with Kent Refugee Support Group

* Was offered and accepted full time work at Migrant Helpline as an Interpreter

* Key contact in the creation of the award wining film 'The Last Resort' with Channel Four Films

* Key contact for Art Community Project until December 2006

 

FEB 12th 2003 - SEF Form (Statement of Evidence) for Home Office (age 21)

* Achieved 'Community Interpreting Skills' qualification through LOCN

* Trained in Human Rights Legislation through Migrant Helpline

* Awarded Millennium Volunteer (completed over 100 hours voluntary work in community)

* Was a speaker at The Holocaust Memorial Day at Rochester Cathedral in Dec 2004

 

MARCH 29th 2005 - Asylum Claim Interview given to Home Office (age 23)

* Achieved Level 3 in sociology and Community Projects at Thanet College

 

MAY 10th 2005 - Asylum Claim refused by Home Office

* Achieved English & Mathematics GCSE at Thanet College

 

JULY 27th 2005 - Asylum Appeal was heard and dismissed by Home Office

* As a representative of Migrant Helpline presented over 50 workshops for local schools

 

JULY 22nd 2006 - Detained at Campsfield House Detention Centre in Oxford (age 24)

AUGUST 1st 2006 - Released from Campsfield House without explanation

AUGUST 4th 2006 - Right to work revoked

 

SEPTEMBER 1st 2006 - Fresh Claim submitted to Home Office

* Volunteer at St John Ambulance, Kent qualified First Responder

* Volunteer with Migrant Helpline

 

2007 - Become a First Asylum Seeker in UK to join

St. John Ambulance