Keep Jawad in Sheffield
Jawad is 33 years old and was born in Kabul, Afghanistan. At 13 he was recruited by Hizb-e-Whadat, a military organisation fighting for the rights of Hazara people. This is the third largest ethnic group in Afghanistan but has been persecuted for centuries.
As a child soldier Jawad became bodyguard to a senior officer in Hizb – e – Whadat and was involved in fierce fighting against the powerful Shura- e-Nazar. Following a period of serious conflict when Jawad’s older brother was kidnapped in his place, Jawad’s father sent him to Pakistan, and he made his way to UK where he arrived September 2003. His asylum claim and appeal have been refused. Jawad fears that if returned to anywhere in Afghanistan he will be targeted by former enemies and by the resurgent Taliban. Evidence from Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, UNHCR and Freedom House confirm the dangers he would face especially since his attitudes and ideas have changed so radically during nearly eight years he has lived in this country.
Jawad has been a committed member of Conversation Club for more than 5 years. He speaks good English and is looking for voluntary work in the community. He is beginning to rebuild his life after the trauma of being a child soldier and is well liked and well integrated.
We ask that he be allowed to remain here where he can be safe amongst friends.
He is currently facing deportation to Afghanistan and is in very grave danger from past history and from his acculturation after 8 years here in UK.