The freedom to move, the freedom to love

In the second of our “Stories Beyond Borders” series, our member Henri (not his real hame) shares his journey to the UK and his hope to be reunited with his children.

“I left my country quite suddenly. The situation had unfolded in a way I did not expect- I did not predict this. Before everything happened I had been living with my family, my children, my loved ones.

We had been raised to stay together, the kids were learning how to love each other, show kindness to one another. 

I had to leave because the political authorities arrested me because of my sexual orientation. I was tortured. 

My mum had been really worried because I had been arrested for three days- she knew that a lot of people ended up being killed, being poisoned even. 

After I was released, my mum reached out to people she knew to help me get out of the country. I ended up travelling by plane to London in summer 2024. It would have been really dangerous to travel to a neighbouring country- they would have sent me back. 

I got help from a taxi driver who helped me find a room with another person from my country. This person could host me for a few days but then I had to move on.

After a few days I called Migrant Help, who asked me questions about my situation and in the end sent a car to stay in accommodation in East London. This is where I met staff at Migrants Organise who were providing some support to people arriving. 

It took five months for me to hear that I had qualified for refugee status. It was so difficult and stressful to be on our own. Migrants Organise has been crucial in helping me navigate the system – from finding a doctor to every step of life. 

I’ve been following the news of what’s happening back home.  It worries me, especially as I am now known as someone that has left the country, my family can now be targeted. 

Belonging 

I want to see my children. Migrants Organise helped me send an application for family reunion. I’ve been praying to god that family reunification is successful. I’m worried every moment. The staff here have been here for me during this tough process.

Family is so important to me. When you arrive in a country alone, you have to find people that can speak your language,  to share what you are feeling and to find solace.

It’s so worrying thinking that the people you have left are possibly being subjected to torture and barbaric acts.  

I have two children. In addition I had been looking after my sister’s kid; my sister was studying so I had been looking after the baby and seen the baby grow. But I wasn’t able to apply for a reunion for my sister’s child- as the Home Office won’t allow you to. It would be really hard for me to think that the rest of my family can come but not my little niece.  

The reason for leaving our lives behind is the need for survival. They are not safe now,  it’s so worrying to me. 

Freedom of expression 

Sometimes it takes travelling to another country to understand how your leaders treat people: I’ve been struck here by the priority for freedom of expression. 

But to have freedom of expression would be to allow parents and children to be together. I would like this government to understand, we are moving here to stay alive.

Since getting my refugee status I have been living here in London, and have been studying. I am learning English, computing and plumbing. I did activities at Migrants Organise- like the dancing. Every Saturday I play football. 

It can feel lonely especially as you don’t see your neighbours in this city and hardly get to be greeted by the people that live next to you. 

People are waiting for news from me- waiting and waiting. If you are able to have your family here you will make efforts to learn English- you’d want your children to belong, the alternative is being alone and not speaking to anyone and that’s so lonely.

To me, it’s so important that the government does not stop the family reunion scheme.

Humankind is the most important thing. 

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