James Fallah Williams Must Stay
 James a national of Sierra Leone and long time (12 years) resident in the UK has been told to leave the UK by the Home Secretary. James's work permit was revoked in October 2010 after bureaucratic errors in his application for indefinite leave to remain was refused, and a fresh application for asylum was refused.
His local community in Leigh, and NUJ members in Manchester have set up a petition to campaign against attempts by the UK government to deport James Fallah-Williams. His MP Shadow Education Secretary Andy Burnham is supporting. RAPAR, the Manchester based human rights charity which works with displaced people is also involved.
James arrived in the UK in 1998 after fleeing Sierra Leone at the height of its civil war. He has been living, studying and working in the UK with full legal rights since then. He is a journalist and human rights activist, and has published a considerable number of articles exposing the corruption and iniquity which, unfortunately, still characterize the Sierra Leonean government. As a result of this courageous work, James has faced a number of threats which mean that, although he would like to return to a peaceful life in Sierra Leone, this is not currently an option.
Sierra Leone is a failed state having little or no governance, endemic corruption, profiteering by ruling elites, very poor Human Rights, the government cannot/will not protect the population from others or itself, massive internal conflict, forced internal/external displacement,
During his time in the UK, James has worked as a journalist writing articles critical about the political regime in Sierra Leone and about corruption in the country. His writing led to threats against him which led James and his supporters to fear for his safety if he was forced to return to Sierra Leone.
Chris Rea, Chair of NUJ Manchester Branch, said: "This is a clear human rights issue and we believe James must stay in the UK. We are urging all NUJ members to support him by writing to their MPs and asking them to intervene with the Home Secretary and Immigration Minister on James' behalf."
Whilst awaiting a decision on his asylum claim James has been working as a volunteer at the Leigh Community Integration Project, providing support and skills training for migrants and local people in Leigh. He has since worked as an advice worker with Manchester Refugee Support Network.
Michelle Stanistreet, Deputy General Secretary of the NUJ, said: "NUJ members throughout the union can help James in his fight to remain in Manchester, the city he's made his home since fleeing Sierra Leone - please offer James your support by signing the petition."
How you can help:
You can sign the Online petition here . . . .
Text messages of support to James on 078 0058 6533.
Write to your MP asking them to raise James' case with the Home Secretary Theresa May.
You can contact your MP through the website:
http://www.theyworkforyou.com/
Email/Fax/Write to Theresa May, Home Secretary
Ask her her to reconsider UKBA's decision that James Fallah-Williams should leave the UK. You must include his Home Office Ref: number F1100038 in all correspondence.
Rt. Hon Theresa May, MP
Secretary of State for the Home Office,
2 Marsham St
London SW1 4DF
Fax: 020 7035 4745
Emails:
mayt@parliament.uk
Emails: Privateoffice.external@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk
UKBApublicenquiries@UKBA.gsi.gov.uk
"CIT - Treat Official" <CITTO@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk> |