A former political activist who fled civil war in Ivory Coast is facing 'forced removal' from the UK on a flight, a Manchester-based human rights charity has claimed. Kouame, whose surname and age are not being revealed, fled to the UK in 2014 because of 'explicit risks to his life' and sought refuge in Greater Manchester.
The charity - Refugee and Asylum Participatory Action Research (RAPAR) - said he contacted several charities and joined a number of active groups. "Kouame is cherished by many people in Greater Manchester as the letters and messages of support we have received have shown," said a spokesperson for the charity, which was founded in Salford. "Kouame belongs here."
The charity said he was made homeless but found accommodation in Salford under Greater Manchester's 'A Bed Every Night' homelessness scheme.
Kouame's initial claim for asylum was turned down before an appeal against the decision rejected by a judge. RAPAR, however, said it would now be far easier for him to recover evidence to back his claim from Ivory Coast as the political situation in the African country has settled recently.
But they said Kouame was recently detained at a Home Office reporting centre in Greater Manchester before being taken to another centre in Scotland, the Dungavel Immigration Detention Centre near Strathaven, then returned to Manchester, where it's understood he remains in detention.
The charity, which is urgently seeking legal representation for him, said it understands he is due to be transferred to a site near Heathrow in London ahead of a booked 'removal flight' to Ivory Coast on Friday. They are now lobbying the airline carrier and the British Airline Pilots' Association as part of a campaign.
A spokesman said: "Please support RAPAR's campaign for our friend and member Kouame, a political activist from Ivory Coast who faces grave danger if he is forcibly removed to there.
"We understand that he may be moved to London soon because he has been told that his removal flight with Royal Air Maroc, a Moroccan carrier, is booked from London Heathrow to Ivory Coast on Friday at 5.30pm. We need your help to contact as many relevant people and organisations as possible to make them aware of Kouame's detention and threatened forced removal, and to ask for their help."
In 2011, the second Ivorian civil war erupted following a disputed election result, which led to armed conflict. More than 100,000 refugees fled to nearby countries and others who had been specifically targeted came to Europe to seek asylum, RAPAR said.
Kouame is said to have joined the Ivorian Popular Front (IPF) in 2004, just after he finished college. "RAPAR, Growing Together, Roots and City of Sanctuary were some of the organisations he worked with - and Kouame said being outside, keeping active and busy, helped him to cope with depression," said the charity, which is appealing to the public to contact their MPs to raise the issue.
"He started to spend more time outside, digging at the allotments, and going out on his bike for as much of the day as he could. He also joined the mental health group at RAPAR, where he is an active member.
"Kouame continues to seek refuge in the UK despite having already been rejected by the asylum system, made destitute, street homeless and now detained. Kouame belongs here. Please help us to keep Kouame safe and to protect his internationally enshrined human rights."
A Home Office spokesperson said: "Each case is considered on its individual merits by caseworkers who receive extensive training. All available evidence is carefully and sensitively considered in light of published country information ensuring all individuals are treated fairly and with dignity.
“We will not return anyone to countries where they have been found to be at risk of persecution or serious harm."
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