Case Story - 'S' from Africa

Recently, an African friend left to start a new life in America. 'S' had been in Hong Kong since November 2003 and had been waiting for resettlement since being given refugee status by the UNHCR in March 2004.

Problems had started for 'S' several years before he arrived in Hong Kong. In 2001, he had been involved in a student protest in his home country, against military presence on university campuses. The protest had degenerated into violence and 'S' had been detained along with other leaders of the student movement.

After the arrest of these leaders, the protest continued and students demanded the release of 'S' and his colleagues. The government ceded to their demands but 'S' feared that this was a temporary attempt at appeasement and he fled by bus and foot to a neighbouring country.

'S' and other student leaders were given refugee status by the UNHCR and subsequently taken to a camp near the border. After staying more than one year in the refugee camp, 'S' was captured by security agents from his home country who suspected him of being involved in the new political party. He was taken forcibly from the refugee camp and driven back to his country where he was put in prison.

He stayed in prison for almost one year and was frequently tortured in an attempt to make him talk about the plans for the new opposition party. After being transferred to a second prison, he was helped to escape by a prison staff member who had been bribed by his family. 'S' tried to arrange travel to several countries, finally they settled on China because of the ease of obtaining a Chinese visa. With the payment of several more bribes, 'S' was able to fly out to Hong Kong.

On arrival in Hong Kong, 'S' was surprised to learn that he was not yet in China proper. Immigration officials advised him to take a bus into Kowloon and arrange train travel to China before his 14 day visa expired.

When he arrived in Tsim Sha Tsui, 'S' met other Africans who advised him to go to the UNHCR. He made his claim with the UNHCR office and began staying in a guesthouse in Chungking Mansions using the little money he had brought with him.

Money quickly ran out after one month and 'S' began to sleep at Star Ferry. During a particularly cold spell in February 2004, he was provided with guesthouse accommodation for two weeks by Christian Action with donation from a church, along with eight other asylum seekers.

After two months being homeless, 'S' was taken in by a friend. His case was then accepted by the UNHCR after a further month and a half. His case was processed quickly by the UNHCR because he had already been granted refugee status when he fled to the neighbouring country in Africa.

'S' then began the wait for resettlement. After several months, he was accepted by America and was finally given a date for departure.

In different ways, 'S' continued to be involved with Christian Action until he left for the America. He appreciated many of the services that we provide, including breakfast, internet access, language classes and other referrals.

'S' has called Christian Action twice since arriving in America. He is currently in a hostel for newly arrived refugees and will be placed into individual accommodation after several weeks. He left his studies incomplete and has a desire to continue further education in America. He has been told that he will be able to begin studies in September 2005. Until then, he is able to work and will also be provided with free English classes.