A magazine produced by asylum seekers and immigrants in Denmark > April 2009 > issue # 74

Life as an asyLum seeker in Denmark

Project ‘Home out’:fLyinG in a GoLDen caGeP 3

are asyLum seekers a burDen?it’s your moneyP 4 exPLosive rePort from sanDHoLm:from Guns to Guns P 8famiLy ties:DiviDeD/reuniteDP 16

Montage: Jens Burau, Photos: Ottma, Københavns Universitet, Tivoli

� newtimes · April 2009

Published by:The Red Cross Asylum Department

Editorial Office:Danish Red Cross Asylum DepartmentH. C. Ørstedsvej 47DK-1879 Frederiksberg CDenmarkEmail: newtimesdk@gmail.comwww.newtimes.dkTel: +45 2334 5887

Editor-in-chief:Karen-Inger Thorsen

Coordinator: Patricia Brander

Editorial assistant:Ole Jeppesen

Staff: Ahmed, Ajmal, Akram, Ali, Borys, Farnam, Hashan, James, John, Kaosar, Katz, Manoucher, Nabil, Nabila, Nezal, Otman, Said, Wafic, Zenzo, Ziad

Volunteers: Abdulrhmann Bahaziq, Sarah Louise Madsen, Natasa Pokupcic

The following students from Danish Institute for Study Abroad (DIS) contributed to writing this edi-tion of New Times: Emily Arent, Kristen Barngrover, Sarah Brown, Allison Bryk, Priscilla Bustamante, Kerry Cahill, Edward Chang, Alanna Dick, Margaret Engesser, Nathaniel Freeman, Lindsey Frost, Kate Goodman, Genevieve Gruss, Aunaleah Husted, Jacqueline Johnson, Jason Joseph, Lisa Kass, Whitney Kinsey, Megan Lahr, Martha Larson, Sarah Levy, Lauren Lowinger, Camille Manganello, Ana Marquez, Colin Mcgeough, Mary

Moritz, Dana Opas, Daniela Ortiz-Bahamonde, Maya Perez-White, Rachel Porter, Stephanie Quainoo, Lau-ra Rosenberg, Amira Shulman-Kumin, Hillary Sorin, Roger Strang, Joshua Wood, Shea Zwerver

Translation and editing:Patricia Brander, Ole Jeppesen, Natasa Pokupcic

Correspondent from Brovst asylum centre:Cyprien

Contacts at Danish Institute for Study Abroad (DIS):Amberle Fant, Jakob Lindgaard, Hugh Wing

Layout:Jens Burau (supergreen.dk)

Printed by:OTMAvistryk

Distributed free of charge to:Danish Asylum Centres, ministries, members of the Danish Parliament, public libraries, asylum and human rights organisations, NGOs, media and indi-viduals in Denmark and abroad.

Subscription:If you would like to subscribe to New Times and receive copies by post, please send an email to newtimesdk@gmail.com. There is no charge, sub-scriptions are free.

ASIG:You can book ASIG, the Asylum Seekers Information Group for presentations and discussions on asylum life – to take place at your school or place of work. Contact newtimesdk@gmail.com.

Support:This issue is supported by the Ministry of Refugee,

Immigration and Integration Affairs with a special contribution for printing and launch by DIS.

The opinions expressed are those of the authors and the persons interviewed. DRC cannot be held responsible for any other opinions. All contributions are very welcome from readers and others who take an interest in the issue of asylum and human rights. The Editorial Board reserves the right to edit these materials according to editorial and space considera-tions. This publication is based on the Red Cross principles of humanity, independence, impar- tiality, neutrality, voluntarism, universality and unity.

ISSN:1397 6877

We are pleased once again to be able to launch an issue of New Times, the magazine written by asylum seekers and ex-asylum seekers in Denmark on themes and aspects of asylum-related matters.

With this issue we focus on how the Danish asylum system is seen by the people who live in it.

The New Times journalists have passed the microphone to other asy-lum seekers to tell their stories and about their experiences. We take a look at how different barriers and hardships as well as rights and opportunities provided by the system are experienced by the people who are in the system.

This issue is a snapshot of differ-ent aspects of life of asylum seekers in Denmark.

Articles and interviews describe the financial situation for asylum seekers and the wish to work. Other articles focus on the family reunifi-cation situation for asylum seekers and others again on experiences with educational opportunities. You can also read stories about daily life in the asylum centres or in a house of one’s own or learn more about unaccompanied minors and the vol-unteers who represent them.

The journalists at New Times have worked together with interna-tional students at DIS (Danish Insti-

tute for Study Abroad) to create this issue. The cooperation has provided an opportunity for two groups of migrants in Denmark to get to know each other and exchange knowledge and experiences on different aspects of global migration.

If you have comments or ques-tions about what you have read in this issue of New Times, click into the forum on www.newtimes.dk and add your opinion to the debates on asylum related matters.

Spring 2009Karen-Inger Thorsen

Editor-in-Chief

Life as an asylum seeker in Denmark

EDitoriaL

in the next issue of New times advisers at Dansk Flygtninge-hjælp will answer your questions about asylum and the law. Send your questions to New times, Danish red Cross asylum Depart-ment, H. C. Ørstedsvej 47, 1. sal, 1879 Frederiksberg C - or email us at: newtimesdk@gmail.com - please feel free to ask your ques-tions anonymously.

in the meantime, here are a few organisations and institu-tions where you can get advice and information regarding your situation.

n Copenhagen Legal AidStormgade 20, 1. sal 1555 København VPhone 33 11 06 78Monday-Thursday from 18:30 - 21.00Friday from 18:30-20.00Legal councelling begins at 19:00

n Danish Refugee CouncilLegal Councelling Unit Asylum Department Borgergade 10 Postbox 53 1002 København K www.flygtingehjælp.dk Email: advice@drc.dk Free legal counselling at Wednes-

days from 13:00 – 15:00.You need to present your ques-tions in Danish or English.

n Rehabilitation and Research Cen-ter for Torture VictimsBorgergade 13 PO Box 21071014 København KTlf. 33 76 06 00E-mail: rct@rct.dk

n Amnesty InternationalGammeltorv 8, 5 sal1457 København KTlf: 33 45 65 65E-mail: amnesty@amnesty.dk

n Psycho Trauma CenterDanish Red Cross Asylum Depart-ment Visit address:H.C. Ørstedsvej 47, 1.1879 Frederiksberg Ctlf. 35 27 87 09fax 35 27 87 21

Find more information about the organisations and institutions and Mohammad’s guide ’Goal: To stay in Denmark’ - at www.newtimes.dk

HELP:

aSiG:

You can book ASIG, the Asylum Seekers Information Group for presentations and discussions on asylum life – to take place at your school, organisation or place of work. Contact newtimesdk@gmail.com.

asylum Seekers information Group

Part of New times' work is to provide information face to face.

newtimes · April 2009 �

FLyiNG iN a GoLDEN CaGEthree years ago, the voices of people in the Danish Society rose up to lessen the hardships of those asylum seekers

who have been living in asylum centres for a long time. Discussions started in the Danish Parliament about how to

improve the living conditions, especially for the children.

By Nezal

The asylum system and the long waiting periods became ‘hot stuff’ during the Parliamentary election in 2007. The ‘Home Out’ project was established as a result. New Times interviewed Kasper Koch, project worker in Danish Red Cross Asylum Department:

”The Danish Prime Minister at the time, Anders Fogh Rasmussen, announced an election and suggested this project as a solution to some of the problems of the rejected asylum seekers (who can’t be sent home, Ed.). At the beginning 30 families were invited to move into their own houses but only 16 families accepted the offer. The conditions were clear: families must have been living in an asylum centre for at least 5–6 years, they must have children under 18 years of age and they must be from either Iraq, Iran or Somalia,” said Kasper Koch.

the advantagesThe Home Out project was, and still is, a great achievement for the participants. Even though it does not solve all the problems, nobody can ignore what big a relief it is to these families. Those long years of daily madness of living in the asylum cen-tres disappeared - just like that.

No more living in one room next to 400 other asylum seekers. In that room you eat, drink, sleep, cry, cry, cry, laugh, bring guests, watch TV, think. You only go outside for the WC or a bath – and of course you must wait for your turn! And there is also a kitchen shared with many people and you must be very careful and wise not to make quarrel with somebody because all the people who live there are under pressure and not in a good mood.

Also there is a big sleeping prob-lem because you never know when somebody will pass near your room and make noises and you will wake up. You must be calm and say noth-ing because this is a camp. In other words: this is not a place for relaxa-tion.

When somebody gives you a house, then you get rid of all these problems. You get a new life, relaxation and safety - but alas, only a temporary relaxation, a temporary safety.

Majid’s familyThis family is one of the 16 families who joined the project. They come from Iraq and they have been in Denmark for 10 years. New Times interviewed the mother about being a part of the Home Out project.

”Of course I’m happy because we got rid of the camp. It is really a

miserable place to live - especially for our children. During the last days in the camp I nearly gave up and I felt like I was tied up. When we were offered these houses I felt like they gave me two wings to fly. But after living here these months I have discovered that I am flying in a cage! Everything is still temporary, nothing is stable, no secure base to start life in, no school, no work,” she said.

on the outskirtsAnother disadvantage of the project is that the houses are situated far away from the asylum centres. That is a problem because the families have to visit the asylum centres regarding many matters: collecting mail, going to the doctor and reg-istering with the police. The people who are from Iran or Somalia must show up in person at the police office twice a week. It takes a long time to get to the centres only to say ”Hello, here I am” to the police. This takes maybe 3 or 4 hours every time.

the impact on the youngNew Times met Nadia, 18, from Iraqi Kurdistan. She has been in Denmark with her family for 10 years.

”I am happy. When I came to Denmark I was only 8 years old. I didn’t remember Iraq well. I spent these past 10 years in the camp and

it is a very miserable place. I feel ashamed about it (I can see the tears in her eyes). Nowadays I can bring my Danish friends to my house and be proud that I am also a human being and also have a house like ordinary people. Whenever I want to sleep I can sleep. It is not a camp, it is our personal house. I wear any-thing I like to wear. I am free in my house,” Nadia said.

A second young person New Times met is Deyar, 19, from Iran. He arrived here 9 years ago along with his brother and his mother.

”I am very happy here. I came to Denmark when I was only 10 years old and this is the first year I think that I live like a human being. Thank you, thank you very much for this project. We hope to have the

opportunity to prove that we are not a burden. By giving us these houses authorities have shown us under-standing and compassion. Please, now give us the right to have a basic, decent future. When we came we were children and now we are young men. We are like plants and need good soil, light and water to grow up, on stony ground we will die. We are now looking forward in anticipation for the next great gesture - giving us residence permission,” Deyar said.

Possible improvementsPsychologist, Dea Seidenfaden from the Danish Red Cross Asylum Department is conducting a study of the project’s consequences for the participating families. The study is not completed yet so Dea Seiden-faden finds it difficult to conclude anything precise at this point.

”I’m not totally sure yet if it’s a success or not. I need more time to finish the study, but it seems that for the children it is better to live outside the camp,” she said.

The study also gives ideas for improving the project in the future:

”It could be relevant to offer bus cards for the families, so that they can travel in a wider area far away from their houses and hereby participate in the community. It is also important consider if something could be done to improve access to activities like fitness, swimming and libraries in local communities,” she suggested.

Joint meetingOn the 14th of March 2009 all the people who live in these houses were invited to a meeting at Danish Red Cross House in Frederiksberg. At the meeting, Niels - an university student who has followed the project - said:

”In my opinion the Immigration Service opened only one door for you and that was to live in these houses. The other doors remain closed. The law says that you have no right to work or to travel and you have no right to go to Danish classes because you are in phase 3,” he said.

Yes my dears who live in these houses: there is only one door open and that is the door of your houses. Go inside, lock that door and fly in a golden cage. After all these years of waiting, what will happen to a bird flying in a cage for a long time? What about a human being?

At the end of the meeting all the people there agreed that living in a tent having a positive [having a positive decision on the asylum application, Ed.] and have a normal active life would be better than liv-ing in these houses but without any documents and being only a number like 135.111.111 or 136.222.222.

“you get a new life, relaxation and safety - but alas, only a temporary relaxation, a temporary safety.”

� newtimes · April 2009

it’S your MoNEyEach asylum seeker costs the Danish tax payers 222.400 DKK

each year. Why not let them work, contribute to society and

pay their own taxes?

oPiNioN

By Hashan

Many asylum seekers arrive in Den-mark with valuable qualifications, skills and relevant work experience to offer. An asylum seeker can wait anything from months to years while their application is being processed. The Danish Immigration Service is

aiming to reduce the time taken to reach a final decision to 150 days, but it is often much longer and leaves a significant period of time dur-ing which people are often separated from their families, isolat-ed by language, and not able to work.

This often leaves individuals feeling disenfranchised, with little or no opportu-

nity to contribute to the society in which they live, and does nothing to equip them for a return to their coun-try of origin in the case of a negative decision on their case. Giving asy-lum seekers the right to work will not only facilitate their (re)integration, but will also make them feel more motivated and empowered and pre-vent the decline into depression that marks so many long-term asylum seekers.

Dependency relationship The lack of gainful employment cre-ates a situation of dependence where asylum seekers are forced to rely on state welfare or support from other organisations (e.g. NGOs), which means high costs for the host coun-try. This can contribute to negative public opinion towards asylum seek-

ers and discrimination against them. The cost to the state regarding

asylum seekers in 2008 is expected to total DKK 340.4 million. That is the equivalent of approximately DKK 222,400 per asylum seeker for one year's accommodation, medical services, child care, social activities, schooling etc.

If you ask an asylum seeker he/she they will tell you that asylum seekers should be allowed to work. In this way they will pay taxes, avoid the temptation to work black and at the same time it will reduce the stresses that come from being excluded from society.

Workers await The around 2000 asylum seekers in Denmark certainly constitute a work force which could make a difference in terms of economic development, particularly when taking into con-sideration the issue of skills gaps and difficulties in matching supply and demand of labour in certain fields as well as that of an ageing popula-tion.

During their application period, it would make good sense if asy-lum seekers could put their skills to use through gainful employment that would allow them to become self-sufficient and active members of the host community. This would also permit them to attain valuable experience and further develop their skills, which would also be ben-eficial in their home country in the event of their return.

institutionalised discrimination To keep asylum seekers the way they do, the Danish government employs an army of bureaucrats and officials who, together with NGOs,

are institutionalising discriminatory practices. Practices such as: isolat-ing people in deprived communities where they are highly visible and unwelcome; incarcerating them in accommodation centres: creating an army of officials and police guards with power over them after singling them out as people without rights; refusing them the right to work while refusing them any benefits; handcuffing, gagging and restraining deportees on aircraft,: this mistreat-ment of asylum-seekers occurs at the behest of the state.

‘Asylum-seekers’ are now a group of people singled out by the state as legitimate targets for ‘a [selective] hostility to strangers’, which can be seen in the long view as part of the on-going process of nation-building by the Danish Peoples’ Party (Dansk Folkeparti).

The aim of the 1951 UN Conven-tion relating to the Status of Refugees is to secure access to a safe place for all of those who are persecuted. The paradox lies between the individual’s right to seek asylum and the right of the state to refuse entry. The real-ity is that states penalise those who exercise this right to request asylum by stripping them of all other identi-ties save that of ‘asylum-seeker’, someone without rights, someone to be excluded.

“asylum-seekers are now a group of people singled out by the state as legitimate targets for a [selective] hostility to strangers”

Abdoolah from Iran has been here for 11 years and has a medical-clinical laboratory degree (he finished his educa-tion while in Iran). He has lived in 17 centres and he wants to work and be active.

“We have no power of deci-sions. They make systems, and they never explain it. It’s like the army. You are free but you have no power - you can’t afford to go out. Working black is danger-ous for you and the people who hire you. BUT people still do it. They never let me go to Danish class, and I have been here for 11 years. If they want to give me an answer (the Immigration Ser-vice on my case Ed.), it doesn’t matter - I have no energy any more and no hope for the future. A human is a human but every-thing [here] is separated.”

abDooLaH’S PoiNt:

Asylum seekers find themselves at the mercy of an Immigration Service (Udlændigeservice, US) which has been accused of being less than honest by obscuring the facts about peoples’ rights.

On www.Ombudsman.dk you can read that Ombudsman, Hans Gammeltoft-Hansen confirms and criticises this catastrophic flaw of the system, illustrated by the example of how the US has dealt with cases of family reunification. After carefully studying two reports, issued by the US itself, the ombudsman had to conclude that the US does not live up to its role when it comes to advising people on their rights.

“The question is, simply put, whether the authorities have informed and advised the people on their rights for family reunifi-cation, following the EU law, in a satisfactory manner. My impres-sion is that the US has failed to do so,” says Hans Gammeltoft-Hansen.

This ‘failure’ entails feed-ing the public with misleading information on the US’ official website, obscuring peoples’ rights according to the EU law. Equally severely, he also points out the fact that people have been given wrong information in face-to-face consultations with US employees.

“This is counteractive of good administrative custom and very unfortunate,” he con-cludes.

MiSLEaDiNG:

newtimes · April 2009 �

MixED EMotioNSNew times invited members of Parliament from across the political spectrum to comment on

'its your money'. the hope is to start a discussion in the Parliament, at the asylum centres and

everywhere in between. all political parties were asked. unfortunately only a few responded.

Sophie Hæstorp andersen, Social Democrats

Already back in 2003, and again in 2007 together with the Radi-kale Venstre (Radical Liberal Party), the Social Democrats made a proposal to the Folketing [Parliament, Ed.] about allowing asylum seekers to work under normal labour market conditions while their cases are being pro-cessed – as long as their cases were not classified as ‘mani-festly unfounded’. The proposal had even been given the green light by the Trade Unions.It is not surprising to me that some [asylum seekers Ed.] are deeply frustrated with the Danish asylum system – espe-cially the tedious processing of asylum cases and the lack of opportunities for getting educa-tion, work, and accommodation outside of the centres, in some cases even lack of proper medi-cal care. A strict immigration policy must still be compatible with treating people with dignity and respect.

Karsten Lauritzen, Venstre (the Liberal Party)

The argument of the article is wrong. It paints a picture of the politicians who formed the asylum system as calculating, almost evil people, who only desire to rob the asylum seek-ers of their rights. The asylum system was actually formed by a great majority within the Folketing, and the purpose of the system is to give asylum seekers controlled conditions and ensure that those who truly are being persecuted can have their cases dealt with promptly.I find it frustrating that some people view the system like that. As the article shows, we actually spend a lot of money on each asylum seeker, about 220.000 kr per person. The purpose of that money is not to feed NGOs, social workers or cover the costs of administra-tion; the majority of it is spent on education, accommodation, and health care.

Johanne Schmidt-Nielsen, Enhedslisten (unity Party)

Denmark treats people, who come to this country seeking help, in an inhumane manner. We know that sitting in a camp, isolated from the world, with no opportunity to work or educate oneself, will make a person ill. We know that living in such an insecure situation as asylum seekers do will make a person ill. And still the government continues its inhumane prac-tices. Today we have examples of people, who have been in Sandholm for 11 years. It is catastrophic that a rich country like Denmark treats other human beings this way. Furthermore, it is hard to understand how someone might not see the advantages of letting asylum seekers work and educate themselves. Both the individual and the society as a whole would benefit from this.

I am shamed by the way my country chooses to turn its back on the fact that hundreds of people live undignified lives. There are people who become ill from staying in Denmark because the conditions are so appalling. Thank goodness there are more and more Danish citi-zens who realize the cynicism of our government. The Unity Party will do everything in its power to ensure that Denmark will become a country where immi-grants will be treated decently.

ole Hækkerup, Social Democrats

We believe there is a need for making arrangements so that asylum seekers can work while their cases are being processed. Our proposal for the last election campaign was to allow asylum seekers to work after ½ year, to prevent people from breaking down completely during their long wait, but at the same time omitting those cases that are classified as ‘manifestly unfounded’. Apart from that, we would like to see something done about the time-frame of the case process-ing. I am, however, very much in disagreement that the system is basically institutionalized rac-ism. The processing of the indi-vidual asylum cases is too slow, granted, but it is very important to look at each case individu-ally. The alternative would be to ignore each individual person’s specific background and to broadly generalize groups of cases, and that would be racist.

Per Clausen, unity Party

I agree that the asylum seek-ers should be allowed to work. Not so much for the money, but because they would be included in the Danish society. Come into society, and be included and integrated. It would be good if we could have the asylum seeker period shortened down. When we have many unem-ployed in Denmark, many say that the jobs there should be for the unemployed Danes because asylum seekers have money to live off, not much, but some. Asylum seekers don't have an option and the system is push-ing them towards black work. We have some people who work, but are outside of society. And this is a very big problem. We are taking the issue to the government, our influence is not so good [because Unity Party is a small party. Ed.] but we are doing what we can. It has not a high priority for the Danish government; it is difficult to get results.

By Hashan and Ole

� newtimes · April 2009

Vox PoPthe economic crisis is the topic of the

moment, so New times went out to ask peo-

ple in the street about the economics of keep-

ing asylum seekers. We asked:

Do you know how much the average asy-lum seeker costs Danish tax payers each year? a) 55.250 kroner? b) 170.000 kroner? c) 222.400 kroner? We told them the correct answer: 222.400 kroner.What do you think about that? Why? Do you think that asylum seekers should contribute to the costs of their keep? How? Danish red Cross argues that asylum seek-ers should be allowed to work. What do you think?

1.

2.3.

4.

Ditlev

It’s 222.400 kr. I think it is a lot of money for the Danish government to spend on asylum seekers. If any are able to provide for themselves, then allow them to do so. The Danish law is shooting itself in the foot. Yes, they should be allowed to work and make their own money. No one likes to live on other people’s charity. It's about self respect. Denmark should treat people the way we our-selves want to be treated. If you think about it, we have indirectly through military actions caused a lot of the problems in their countries. I think that asylum seekers should be allowed to work and study. And if they pay taxes they should receive all the same ben-efits that Danish citizens get.

ali

It's 170.000 kr. (Right answer: 220.400 kro-ner) I don’t think that it's much because these people need more help. I used to be one of them so I know how they feel. I think they should be able to contribute to society. In that way they could be a part of the society and learn the language which is very important. I think it's a very good idea if they were allowed to work.

bettina I think it's 170.000 kr. (Right answer: 220.400 kroner) I don’t think this is too much. Of course it costs a lot of money. It is good idea to give asylum seekers the permission to work. If they are like doctors or they have higher education then provide them with more training and then we should offer them jobs.

rie

Isn't it 170.000 kr.? (Right answer: 220.400 kroner) It’s a lot of money but we have to help, so I pay gladly. I think it will be good idea if they could work here. Not because they have to pay taxes - but to become a part of the community.

Lina and tina

170.000 kr. (Right answer: 220.400 kroner) It’s a lot of money but it’s ok. It is not too much. It is important for Danish people to help them and help them have a better life here in Denmark. They should be able to work; maybe after a year. First they should have the possibility to learn the language.

The average asylum seeker costs Danish tax payers 222.400 kr. each year. Danish Red Cross advocates that asylum seekers should be allowed to work. In this way asylum seekers will contribute to society, avoid the temptation to work black and at the same time it will reduce the stresses that come from being excluded from the society.

FaCt:

By Cyprien

In the asylum centre, communication between residents is the most inter-esting aspect of all. Most residents are mentally equipped with basic notions of the English and Danish languages and the linguistic trends and needs have lead to the creation of a new lingua franca - a result of necessity rather than from willing-ness.

This new lingua-franca is sys-tematically structured with a rough combination of terms in such a way that words from Arabic, English, French and Danish are combined to make a complete utterance. I personally and mostly refer to it as an ‘Arabofrancanglodanish’ lan-guage.

I know that in the eyes of some Danes this would be like breaking a terrible tabu! But I have to inform them that Arabofrancanglodanish language has small or no influence at all on the Danish language as the

social interaction with local citizens is almost nil.

Its boundaries are extremely lim-ited so calm down - arabofrancang-lodanish won't be a threat to your loved Danish language. To some of you who can’t imagine how such a language could be, well consider the following discussion between three residents:

A: Hej!B: Hej, mate!C: Hvordan går det habeeb?B: Quoi? Well... I'm det går fint! Sorry, me forgot! Hvad med dig?A: Good indeed! I'm fint!B: Vi ses tomorrow.C: You too, mange shukran habeeb. See you i morgen.A: Merci beaucoup, vi ses!

GEttiNG aLoNG WitH your rooM MatES“Hvordan går det habeeb?”

newtimes · April 2009 �

SuPPort CoNSuLtaNtS CoMiNG uP

an early March morning 14 smiling and well-dressed asylum

seekers occupied a welcoming learning environment in

Copenhagen's North-West District. the plan is that in about three

months they will leave with a completed course on their CVs.

By Ole Jeppesen

The Danish Red Cross Asylum Department and IT training provider, Microworld have just sent out 14 asylum seekers on a specially tai-lored course. The goal is that all 14 will complete 12 lessons at Microw-orld, combined with practical train-ing within the Asylum Department. Then each one of them will be able to call themselves ‘Support Consult-ant’. This may lead to a working life as self-employed, for example with an internet café, in hardware sales and support - or as IT support in an organization or company.

Education and Training Supervi-sor at the Asylum Department, Lars Brügger worked on setting up the collaboration:

"I find it amazing that it has become a reality. Earlier, we had a handful of asylum seekers through individual courses at Microworld, but with Support Consultant, we have for the first time created a specially designed education and training course for the target group. Originally we had 12 places, but the demand for them was enormous that we established two extra. If eve-rything goes as expected and the

budget allows it, we will repeat the course after the summer,” said Lars Brügger.

Eye opener36-year-old John from Russia is one of the 14 expectant participants. He has been an asylum seeker in Den-mark for nine years. Only recently, John became aware of the delights of the IT world:

"Before I came to Denmark, I had never had anything to do with computers. Now I love to work with them. I want to know as much as possible about the machines before they take over the world hegemony," laughed John, who sees the three months in school as a step towards a larger goal:

"If I learn enough along the way, I would like to work with program-ming. Support Consultant is the right place to start," he said.

No nonsenseHead of the Asylum Department's IT section, Ibrahim El-Khatib, con-tributed to the design of the practical lessons. He has been a bit tense in the days prior to the premiere:

"Yes, I'm excited, but I trust that our participants will pass the course

with flying colours. They will ben-efit a lot from it because the teaching is structured in a way that meets both IT novices and those more experi-enced," said Ibrahim El-Khatib and stressed that Support Consultant may prove to be crucial for the future of the participants:

"This scenario is certainly not 'for fun'. The content of the train-ing design is based on what an IT supporter is exposed to in their daily life in an average company. Microworld know what they are talking about - and what the indus-try demands. And it's just fantastic that they will help to make an effort for our residents."

a step forwardSupport Consultant is a very natural evolution of the joint effort with the Asylum Department, said Senior Key Account Manager at Microw-orld, Gitte Lund:

"For some time, Microworld has been responsible for the education of Asylum Department's IT staff, so the leap to include a wider group of asy-lum seekers was, in reality, not that big. We would like to give rejected as well as non-rejected asylum seek-ers a worthwhile stay in this country

and try to develop their skills," said Gitte Lund.

An important part of the prepara-tions has been to devise an efficient method to demonstrate to the outside world that the participants have com-pleted this newly-established train-ing programme:

"First and foremost our partici-pants get a diploma when they have completed the course. Secondly, we have created a website, www.sup-portconsultant.dk, which specifies who completed the education, the content of the studies - and that they have learned it from Denmark's larg-est private IT training provider. This means that in future, participants anywhere in the world can validate that they are Support Consultants," said Gitte Lund.

Positive windsEducation and Training Supervisor, Lars Brügger trusts Support Consult-ant will be the starting point for a genuine change of attitude:

"Asylum seekers have a lot to offer. Here are some people who, despite their difficult situation, have the ability and willingness to evolve. Hopefully other companies and educational institutions will see

this group's potential, and that, as a result, we will ultimately be able to arrange other education and training opportunities," said Lars Brügger.

The forthcoming Support Con-sultant, John from Russia, shares the same expectations:

"This is a fantastic opportunity for us because, as asylum seekers, we cannot study entirely as we wish. The whole scenario is like striking gold, because it gives us an oppor-tunity to be ‘real people’ for a while - and not just one more foreigner."

If everything goes according to Microworld's plan, and everything tends to, then 14 newly hatched Sup-port Consultants will leave school on 19th June. A little bit better equipped for future challenges - regardless of whether the future lies here or there.

If you want to hear more about this and other courses, please contact Lars Brügger: lab@redcross.dk

tHE oPPortuNity to StuDyMany asylum seekers further their education

while waiting for a ruling on their cases. New

times interviewed Mohammad who lived in

avnstrup Centre and studied law.

By Said H.

Mohammad tells us that he began studying law at Copenhagen Univer-sity in February 2009.

Mohammad came to Denmark in June 2008, and applied for asylum. He has a bachelor degree in Crime and International Human Rights from Lebanon, and wanted to get further education in Denmark.

Now he goes to the university three days a week. At first it was really tough for him to get into the university because he had to strug-gle a lot to find out how and where to find the right address and right person. He searched a lot in the Internet to find a solution and at last he did it. Mohammad is also doing a job as a volunteer in the Danish Refugee Council some, where he is helping other asylum seeker with their cases.

transportation

Mohammad had to travel all the way from Avnstrup to the university. It used to take him four hours just for transport, to go to the university and come back to Avnstrup. He had to wake up at 5:00 am in the morning

to prepare himself because the first bus left Avnstrup at 6:26 am. He had to be at the univer-sity at 8:15 am which he usually was - but still - sometimes he got there late.

All his expenses were covered by Danish Red Cross. Mr. Mohammad was very happy being an asylum seeker getting the opportunity to study. Now he got the asylum in Denmark and lives

happily in Hillerød on Sjaelland and contin-ues his study.

The message is clear: An asylum seeker who has talent and diplomas from their own country can get this opportunity to study further in their skills in Denmark!

Well-earned triumphLars Brügger is the senior education and training adviser in the Red Cross House in Frederiksberg. He com-ments on Mohammad’s story:

“Mohammad really worked hard to get on his course. Obviously we advised and supported him, but he

did all the preparatory research: he got his Lebanese certificates rec-

ognised by the Dan-ish authorities, con-tacted the University and arranged to take the TOEFL English language test. He cer-tainly proved that he was serious about con-tinuing his studies, and that was very impor-tant. The Immigration Service pays for the Red Cross’ asylum work. This means that the Red Cross has to

budget for its expenditure on edu-cation and training and we have to make some hard decisions about giv-ing the best opportunities to as many asylum seekers as possible”, Lars Brügger points out.

“He certainly proved that he was serious about continuing his studies”

� newtimes · April 2009

FroM GuNS to GuNSSandholm centre is placed in the middle of a military exercise area.

New times visited the centre hoping to find out whether or not the

nearby exercises have an impact on the asylum seekers’ daily life.

By: Ahmed Dharbaxo

In fact, New Times reportage crew experienced the guns for themselves. As we began our interviews we sud-denly heard intensive gun shots com-ing from the rear yard of the centre. After about an hour we heard even louder gun shots, then a short time later the noise increased again, and this time we could hear different automatic gun sounds and continu-ous firing.

too often“I live near the military zone and hear guns frequently, 3 or 4 times a week and then nothing for 3 weeks. We hear firing guns and heavy weapons. Sometimes they start in the night and continue into the day. Sometimes it is just in the day. Often you can see them – but not always. The military doesn’t have day or night or weekdays and weekends,” said Abdullah.

Rikke, who is employed in the Sandholm Job Centre, has during the past five months experienced the military practices twice, as far as she can remember. She said:

“I don’t know if it occurs more often at the weekends. But it was twice too often. I had heard about the exercises, but even so I was sur-prised at how violent it was when I actually experienced them. It sounds like a war zone and it is clear that many residents are affected by the situation. The exercises lasted sev-eral hours as I remember, they were in the morning.”

Rikke has the impression that the residents don’t know about the exer-cises until after they have started. As far as she knows they aren’t warned in advance. She said:

“Some were really frightened. I also saw children who were clearly affected and frightened. If the resi-dents were warned in advance, it would without a doubt reduce their fears.”

Nightmares“I am very bothered by the noises, and can’t sleep at night for the sounds of the gun shots. I have nightmares that take me back to my childhood during the war in Iraq. I need to take a lot of sleeping pills to be able to sleep” says a young Iraqi man.

“If I would have a choice I wouldn’t stay in this place” says an elderly man, who arrived in Sand-holm five days ago. He fled from Congo due to the recent war between the government and the rebels, and does not know where his family is. Since he arrived he has heard the gun

shots twice. He said that it does not scare him, but that it reminds him of the situation that he left back home.

A group of four young asylum seekers who share a single room explained that they hear gunshots very often. One of them said that it was the same as in Mogadishu:

“I only feel that I am in Europe when I go out of this centre and get to Copenhagen. We hear bombs, gunshots, heavy shooting. The nois-es come from the front and from the back, like we’re surrounded”.

A mother of two children who has lived for some time in the last line of the family blocks assured us that the sound does not bother her. She said:

“I am just worried for my chil-dren who become a bit scared when there is exhaustive training.” She complained about the use of such loud and noisy weapon within close proximity to the civilian centre where asylum seeker families reside and concluded:

“If I would know when they fire, I would be ready and put some cot-ton wool into the ears of my two beloved young children”.

No problemNew Times went to Sandholm Kin-dergarten and interviewed Susanne, the head teacher who has been work-ing with children aged 2-6 years for 17 years:

“The military exercises just out-side here, but it’s not really a prob-lem. The children don’t react, but if they do, we explain to them that it’s nothing serious. We try to turn it into a game. Years ago, some children that came straight from the war in Chechnya, got very scared by the helicopters. One young Afghani boy used to jump and hide underneath the table. But we explain to the chil-dren that it’s just soldiers playing a game, and we take the children out-side to wave to the helicopters. Most of them are so young; they haven’t had any bad experiences themselves. So if we adults stay calm and don’t react frightened, the children also feel safe,” she said.

Sometimes, when the military practice does get too loud and within close range, they ask the chief of the centre to talk to the military about it. Then, for a couple of days, the military do relocate their exercises a bit farther away. But after a short while, they tend to ‘forget’ about the arrangement, and they come back.

Why Sandholm?In the light of our investigations, New Times asked the Immigration

newtimes · April 2009 �

“i have just escaped from guns in rwanda and now i am shocked when i hear guns here” - Jumale

Service some questions. We asked if they are aware that some asylum seekers and their families may be traumatized by the close presence of the military doing exercises and, if so, how is it that those asylum seekers are placed near a military training area? If people feel uncom-fortable with gunshots, do they have the right to ask for a transfer? If so, who should they ask?

The following statements are from Mr. Thomas Mortensen, head of the office that has the overall responsibility for the management of the asylum centres:

”In 1985, the abandoned mili-tary barrack Sandholm was initially leased by the authorities to provide shelter for a vast number of asy-lum seekers. Until 1985, where the asylum seekers were accommodated was rather random. We have never been in a situation where the authori-ties could pick and chose location and it has always been necessary to take what was available and suit-able. Later The Danish Immigra-tion Service took over the Sandholm Centre”.

Wide scope”The advantage was - and still is - that this centre has a large capacity and it still is the largest of the centres. At the same time it's to great practi-cal advantage for the asylum seekers living there - and quite unique actu-ally - that The Danish Immigration Service, the police and the Danish Red Cross (Ed: asylum department administration) are present at the location.”

”According to our information from the Danish Red Cross, […] the number of military exercises has declined considerably over the years. In later years, the military activity is noted to be extremely limited; typically three or four shots are fired for an occasional drill. According to our information the Danish Red Cross has never received a single complaint from the asylum seekers because of military drills.”

”The law lays down the general conditions for the accommodation of the asylum seekers […]. Within these general conditions, it is pos-sible for The Danish Immigration

Service to meet individual wishes, i.e. from families with children or from individuals who apply for pri-vate accommodation,” Mr. Thomas Mortensen concludes.

informing the residents Eva, who facilitates the introduction course for the newly arrived asylum seekers, said:

“I can tell you that Immigra-tion Service, who give introduction about the accommodation for asy-lum seekers in Denmark for two lessons on the course, does tell about the military area around Sandholm and of course what to expect from that fact.”

Since last year they have changed the last four lessons, and there, among other things, they explain about the military exercises around Sandholm. Eva continued:

“I have never met students at the course who were frightened about the shooting. Once the military start-ed their shooting exercises at the same time as the class took place, and the students’ reaction was that they got worried about my well-being, because as they said that they were used to it; and they were very much aware that it was exercises, because they knew that Denmark is a peaceful country. For the last half year the number of new asylum seekers in Sandholm has increased which may cause a delay in their participation in the course for up to 5 or 6 weeks after their arrival, so I don't think the information at the course can stand alone.”

Eva is also the editor of the Info Channel in Sandholm. She ensured New Times that she and the manager of Sandholm will consider putting up some information about the subject on the channel, which will make it possible for residents to watch the Info Channel in the cafeteria, the waiting room and in their rooms, if they have a television. Then, the resi-dents will be able to read about the possibility of military exercises from their very first day at Sandholm.

10 newtimes · April 2009

aLoNE toGEtHEr

newtimes · April 2009 11

1� newtimes · April 2009

a FENCE or a briCK WaLL?asylum seekers in Denmark live in asylum centres and have limited opportunities to meet the Danish people. thus

there are both physical and psychological barriers between the refugees and society. New times asked two asylum

seekers what this barrier looked like to them: is it a low hedge you can jump over or a high brick wall?

up against the language barrierSultan ali, an afghan

citizen arrived in

Denmark six months

ago along with his

wife and 4 children.

the youngest baby

was born in Denmark.

they live in a 2 room

flat in centre avnstrup.

By Ajmal

Sultan Ali describes the barriers that he experiences every day:

"The asylum seekers like me are not allowed to work out of the camp and study the Danish language, both of which have an important role to enable us to be in touch with the society. Secondly we are too far from the markets. That means a 35 minutes bus drive even though we only want basic needs. I would like to ask the gov-ernment to place the families closer to the cities."

When he was asked if he would like to go out more and be in touch

with Danish society he said: "I would surely like to go out

in the society to keep myself busy doing some kind of work for the peo-ple of the country since the respected Ministry of Refugees, Immigration and Integration and the Red Cross is doing so much for us and we might get the asylum in the future, if we deserve the asylum based on our problems."

Danish, please Sultan Ali has another suggestion

for the politicians: "I would kindly request the Min-

istry of Immigration to provide Dan-ish language lessons beside English

as well, and I am requesting this because it normally takes a long time to finalize the individual asy-lum cases. During this time we need to go out to the society for various purposes i.e. to the hospital, to clin-ics, and to school, and for that we need to have translators as well," he continues.

"My kids help me sometimes to go out and be in touch with the parents of this society especially in school and again I want to mention the need of the Danish language and how the language is important to us for communication."

But sometimes even the desire to communicate outwardly disappears:

"Not only my children, but all the children here feel so depressed and most of the time ask, ‘when will we go out of this place and have our own house out of the camp’," Sultan Ali concludes.

Epilogue: Sultan Ali’s wife and the four children were deported to Greece on April 2nd. Sultan Ali has gone underground.

newtimes · April 2009 1�

alan wrote his way through the fencealan Pary was born 2nd February 1979 in Kurdistan. but Denmark has been his home since

1999 and it is just five months ago that he was granted asylum. Now he looks back at the past

ten years. ten years of waiting - and writing.

had difficult days and experienced things that didn’t work out as he wanted. For instance he wanted to study and to work:

"I had the whole world to gain, but I am a refugee. I ran far away

from my country. I was looking for a small place to hide, but then I realized that this place was not the place I had dreamed of.”

Words are medicineAlan decided to try hard and he depended on his writing to stay sane, instead of doing violent and unpredict-

able things as can happen to many

people. “My poems were a guide for me,

a means to give myself the hope to get the strength to keep on. After the darkness, comes the dawn. There is always a way. In time, things change and that’s what I was telling my friends. Don’t lose hope, there is always a door, and have the faith to get into the light. Its good to know that although all of the darkness makes you feel that you are losing your last grip on life - you are still holding on to a ray of hope."

alan’s fence Alan describes the fence like this:

“You are in a different country and different environment, and so many things are different in many ways. Some people tolerate the

change better than others. But, every individual has to make the best of the situation and look to the future outside the walls. In your mind you can plan things and decide for things. You have to gain trust of the people and find ways to ‘jump over’. You can touch the minds of the people by talking to them about your problems. In my experience it had an effect on a lot of people: I got people to criticize the system and I gained their trust so they gave me a hand to jump over the fence and face my life."

Psychological deathAlan Pary thinks that the system is broken and inhumane in some cases. That the fence is killing people by what it does to them psychologi-cally:

“You see, we were on our way from our lands, afraid to be killed, now people are dying psychologi-cally - in the same way - here in these camps. I think the system is building this wall between us, but I still say ‘you have to be strong’. Think all the time that you are one of the society. Do whatever you can to go out to meet the people. Denmark is a democratic nation and the media is one of the best tools to get to the people, to make people understand your problem, to talk about your problem and your case. There are lots of people out there, they care and they want to give you a hand to break this fence in between them and us."

Alan Pary is a Christian Kurd from Northern Iraq. In 1999 he wrote and published a collec-tion of poems about women and love. After that both he and his family were persecuted and forced to flee to Denmark.

In 2007 Alan Pary became member of the Danish branch of International Pen, an orga-nization that helps writers who have been forced to flee from their homelands and become refugees in different parts of the world.

In 2008 Alan Pary’s life in the Danish asylum centres was transformed into theatre by Danish Pen writer Michael Svennevig. The play was called ‘Hegn’ (Danish for ‘Fence’ Ed.) and was staged at ‘Teatret ved Sorte Hest’, Copenhagen.

FaCt:

“Every indi-vidual has to make the best of the situation and look to the future outside the walls.”

Just do it... and kiss me

Kiss mebefore it’s too lateKiss meto end war

Kiss meSo i can be a flame against the cloudsand dance lightly on the earth

Kiss mebecause we must learn to kiss each other and forgive

Kiss me and make me happyCome with your red lipsand smile … smile … smilebecause your smile calms the world Kiss mebecause there are some who hate kisses

Alan Pary

Translated from Danish by Patricia

By Nabil

"It is too difficult to be living in a camp for ten years with no future and not knowing the outcome. That is why I decided to use the time to improve myself, and I chose the road of writing. Writing meant that I did not lose hope. I tried my best to learn the lan-guage and to be inte-grated, to be a useful person to this coun-try - and to myself. That’s the kind of faith I had – and still have, to not lose the hope of better days," Alan says.

Despite this Alan still felt the fence around him. He too

1� newtimes · April 2009

at tHE MiNorS' SErViCELife as an unaccompanied minor asylum seeker is a big challenge.

the volunteers on the representative Programme lend a helping

hand to guide the young people through their cases and support

them through this tough period of their life.

By Borys

The representatives of asylum seek-ers under 18 years (minors) in Den-mark are there to serve the interests of the minors. They help the young people in the process of claiming asylum. They have to check if the minor is OK during the several interviews that the minor has to go through, for example, make sure that the young person can understand the translator who has been allocated and ask for breaks if the proceedings are very lengthy.

Furthermore the representative can help the minor with personal issues, and can also become like a family member, a good uncle, an aunt or a good friend. There can develop a strong bond between them.

Personnel shortageThe programme is co-ordinated from the Head Office by Anne Sander.

"In Denmark at the present time there are almost 110 minor asylum seekers. And we have 81 volunteer representatives, so we still need more. We would like to encourage people who want to support these minor asylum seekers, to come and

help. Without this programme there would not be this one-to-one person-al connection. It would be harder for the minors to learn more about their rights and Danish society - and no one would encourage them through their cases," says Anne Sander who believes that people become repre-sentatives of two reasons:

"Either they have heard about these minor asylum seekers and want to help them - or they simply disa-gree with the government’s politics about the asylum system, especially the policies for minor asylum seek-ers."

the commitmentAccording to some minors that New Times has talked to at Centre Gribskov, some representatives are really helpful and really care about them. But there are also others who only show up to talk about the next

meeting with the authorities. This shows that there is a difference in the representatives' commitment to the minors. Anne Sander recognises this and explains:

"The thing is that sometimes, when the case is very complex, we attach a professional ‘legal guard-ian’, that is, a non-volunteer. These legal guardians mainly concentrate on the case. I wish that we could offer every minor a very empathetic representative."

JealousySome representatives are more, and some are, less emotionally involved. For example, some representatives visit their ‘child’ regularly or may arrange special activities, visits or outings, while others stick more strictly to the legal matters relating to the child’s case. This can result in some kind of jealousy between

the minors, particularly because they are vulnerable, they are often tense and it's really hard for them to live without their parents. Anne Sander fully understands this issue:

"I know about this jealousy, but all we can do is to ask the repre-sentatives to commit as much as possible to the task. Because it is a voluntary effort we cannot demand the extra commitment. But it is very important that the minors themselves suggest activities or ask for a more personal talk, if they need it. They are always welcome to do that," Anne emphasises.

Anne Sander will now, together with the writer of this article, begin working on a multi-lingual informa-tion folder about the representative programme. In this way all minors will know what to expect from the representatives - and what they should ask for if needed.

“We would like to encour-age people who want to support these minor asy-lum seekers, to come and help.”

Any adult can apply to be a rep-resentative. You have to be interviewed, undergo a police check and then be appointed by the Immi-gration Service. You do not have to be a Danish citizen, just resident and living on Zealand within reach of the children’s centres near Hillerød. You have to be able to be able to read, write and communicate in Danish at a level to be able to read the documents relating to the case and to communicate with the authorities. Note: there are several non-native Danish speakers in the team.For more information about the Representative Programme contact:Anne Sander asa@redcross.dk

FaCt:

birthe Hagelund is the representative for a young boy from afghani-stan. She explained why she became a representative.

”I decided to be a representative for an unaccompanied asylum seeker because I have read about the situation of these children in newspa-pers. Also to help them to get through the situation, to support them dur-ing the process of getting the asylum,” said Birthe.She found it very interesting to learn how it is to be an asylum seeker, about their feelings and their history – and equally important: “I think it is very necessary work, the young people need someone to share their problems with. But you use a lot of time – physically and mentally – and what has surprised me is that it is difficult to stop when you have got to know a person; you end up following the person through their life. My child got positive and I have found out that it is nearly as difficult to have residence as it is to be an asylum seeker,” she said.

a rEPrESENtatiVE’S ViEW

newtimes · April 2009 1�

bErNarD’S Storybernard* is a 17-year-old asylum seeker from rwanda. He arrived

in Denmark — unaccompanied by his family — in December 2008.

bernard’s highest priority when leaving rwanda was to escape

persecution and to lead a normal, secure life.

By Team New Times

Growing up, he wanted to be a doc-tor. He left Rwanda in his last year of secondary school, just before tak-ing the mandatory national exams. Upon arriving in Denmark, Bernard hoped to start attending university. However, for now and until he learns sufficient Danish, he cannot attend ‘normal’ school and must take class-

es at the asylum centre.Bernard left Rwanda because he

was being persecuted. Bernard felt very insecure in his country as he had been imprisoned several times. The last time he was detained, his mother was imprisoned as well. When she was released she sent someone to help him flee the country. Bernard did not know this man, nor did he know where he was being taken.

The unidentified escort handled all of the passports and paperwork and Bernard travelled on a plane to, what he later learned, was Den-mark. Upon arriving in Denmark, Bernard spent one night at the Sand-holm Accommodation Centre and was then transported to Gribskov, an asylum centre for minors.

Fearing the policeBernard had an interview with the

police to be documented as an asy-lum seeker and to share the details of his story. Bernard fears the police because he was treated poorly by police in Rwanda — thus his first interview made him very uncom-fortable. His interview with the Immigration Service has yet to be scheduled. He is not sure when this interview will be; he has friends who have been waiting for as long

as 8 months.Many unaccompanied minors

have to go through an ‘examination of age’ to establish their status as youth. The doctor who performed his examination believes that Bernard is 19 and therefore the immigration authorities now want documentation from Rwanda to prove that he is in fact 17. Bernard is worried about this because he describes Rwanda as “a very small country” in which everyone knows each other.

It is probable that the police know that he has left the country and are looking for him. Contacting his mother for birth certificates or other legal papers would therefore be very dangerous for Bernard, and especially for his mother. He may be able to contact her through a friend, but this too would be risky. He believes it is possible that phone

lines are tapped and that the police are watching phone records for inter-national calls.

Futuristic thoughts Another challenge that Bernard has faced is learning the Danish lan-guage. If he is granted asylum, he knows that improving his Danish skills will be vital for succeeding in any university in the country. Ber-nard speaks English and French and it might therefore be easier for him to study elsewhere in Europe, but Bernard says that in reality it is much better to remain in Denmark to begin getting integrated.

Although he did not originally plan on a future in Denmark, Bernard feels he should stay here because he fears that he would be persecuted in Rwanda if he ever returned. He will turn 18 in six months. If he is granted asylum, he would like to complete his secondary education and then study medicine at the University of Copenhagen. However, there are still a few aspects of Danish life that he is learning how to cope with— includ-ing the weather. Bernard asks:

“Am I in the fridge, or what?”

* A pseudonym

n In Denmark, an unaccom-panied minor is defined as a person under 18 years of age, who enters the country without parents or other persons who are responsible for the child, e.g. siblings or grandparents. Also children who enter the country accompanied, but who are later abandoned, are treated as unaccompanied.

n In 2008, 297 unaccompanied minors made asylum applica-tions in Denmark. This is almost three times as many as came in 2007. The majority came from Afghanistan, Iraq, Iran and Sri Lanka.

n All children can apply for asy-lum in Denmark. As a general rule, unaccompanied children must meet the same conditions as other asylum seekers in order to have their application processed and to be granted asylum.

n However, children are con-sidered a particularly vulnerable group, and special guidelines have been devised for process-ing their cases. As such, asylum applications from children will be processed as quickly as pos-sible, and child applicants will be housed in special accom-modation centres with specially trained personnel.

n Information source: nyidanmark.dk

FaCt:

WE NEED EquiPMENt. CaN you HELP?Team New Times is in need of laptop computers and digital cameras; a dictaphone or two would also be very handy. If anyone has any such equipment that they no longer need and would consider donating to us, we will put it to very good use. Please send a mail to newtimesdk@gmail.com. Many thanks.

1� newtimes · April 2009

DiViDED/rEuNitEDFleeing their homes, refugees and asylum seekers inevitably

become separated from their loved ones; families become

divided. the strict Danish laws on reunification are often seen as

unreasonable, especially by people with different cultural values.

By Katz and Ziad

DiViDED/rEuNitED #1Tarek, 55 from Lebanon, lives in Sandholm asylum centre with his 15 year old son. He has applied for political asylum in Denmark, but has been denied. He is currently appealing his case. He can’t go back to Lebanon due to his previous involvement in political activities. When asked to comment on his situa-tion, Tarek said:

“If I was sent back to Lebanon, I surely would be arrested at the airport and I would definitely be killed because I am among those who the government of Lebanon is looking for. The information I have got from my wife and children who are back in Lebanon is that they are under constant harassment. The security forces keep interrogating my wife every day about my whereabouts.”

Several of Tarek’s family mem-bers remain in Lebanon, including his wife and two daughters, ages 17 and 20. They depend on Tarek, as head of the family, for financial and emotional support.

Culture and religionHowever, he also has a special

attachment to Denmark because his parents, who previously fled from Lebanon to Denmark, are buried in Copenhagen.

“I just don’t understand how I can leave a country where both my parents lay buried; it is like denying my ancestry, which also goes against my cultural and religious values. The

Koran says: The dead receive our prayers, charity and reading of the Koran. How do I do this away from my deceased parents?” Tarek asks.

Tarek has also a brother who lives in Denmark with his family. Tarek says he is having a traumatizing time living in Denmark without all of his family. He wishes to be granted asylum and family reunification in

order to live close to all his family. As Tarek puts it:

"My daughters are still children and they look up to me in many ways".

However, the Danish family reuni-fication policies don’t

consider anyone above the age of 15 to be ‘a child’ and therefore Tarek’s daughters are ineligible for family reunification. In contrast, the laws in Sweden state that family reuni-fication can, in exceptional cases, include children over 18 years old.

DiViDED/rEuNitED #2Paul, 28 from Uganda, lives in Avnstrup asylum centre here in Den-mark. Paul left his country, to be reunited with his mother, two sisters and brother who live in Denmark. The rest of his family have managed to be reunited with their mother, who was granted asylum in Denmark in May 2000.

At that time, the Danish poli-cies on family reunification allowed children under the age of 18 to be re-united with their parents; in this case, the two sisters ages 16 and 17, along with their brother who was 14

at the time, qualified to be reunited with their mother. This policy did not extend to Paul because he was already 20 by then.

Deadly spellsNow Paul has fled Uganda because his life is in danger. Being the first born to his father, who is currently married to another wife, he is the rightful heir to his family’s wealth and property. However, Paul’s father’s new wife is bewitching him in order to gain the wealth for her-self. The spells on him were having strong negative effects on his life. In African culture, it is believed that spells are more powerful when the person sending the spell is in closer proximity to the victim. Julie, Paul’s sister, says:

“My brother’s life is being threat-ened. So being away from Uganda and in a country where he has other close family members makes Paul have a sense of emotional and physi-ological security.”

Paul has been denied asylum and cannot be reunited with his family in Denmark. Although in African culture a child is still a child until the parents die, the Danish asylum laws don’t present a solution for people like Paul whose lives are in social and psychological, rather than political, danger.

No doubtA close friend of Paul's, also from Uganda, says:

“Surely when you spend enough time with him, you will realize that he has been affected by a spell. His mind is unstable and his actions prove for sure he has been bewitched.”

When asked what she thought might happen if Paul was sent back to Uganda, Paul's sister Julie said:

“He would die, and this would have a long and devastating effect on our mother and all of us. He ought to have the right to live in Denmark and he would get better if he stayed with us here.”

Just to note, the Ugandans have the saying, “spells and demons never board planes”. It simply means that spells work best when the victim is near the person making the spell; the further away one is from them, the smaller the chance one has of being affected by them.

"My daugh-ters are still children and they look up to me in many ways"

Witchcraft is the use of certain supernatural or magical pow-ers to inflict harm or damage upon communities or individu-als. Belief and evidence of this practice is still found in many cultures worldwide. Currently, it is primarily found in sub-Saha-ran Africa in the Bantu culture, West Africa.

WitCHCraFt:

FaMiLy rEuNiFiCatioNIf your spouse, registered part-ner or cohabiting partner lives in Denmark, you can apply for a residence permit on the grounds of family reunification. There are various conditions including:

n The applicant must be a Dan-ish citizen or a citizen of one of the other Nordic countries (Norway, Sweden, Finland and Iceland), orn hold a Danish residence per-mit granted on the grounds of asylum or Protected Status, orn have held a permanent Dan-ish residence permit for the past three years or more.n The applicant must reside permanently in Denmark.

There are various conditions before a child may be reunited with his/her parents including:

n The child must be under the age of 15 at the time the appli-cation is submittedn The child’s parent residing in Denmark (or the parent’s spouse) must meet the resi-dence conditions as above n After the family reunification, the child must live together with his or her parents or a parent who has full or joint custody of the child.n The child must not have started his or her own family through marriage or cohabiting partnership.www.nyidanmark.dk

FaCt:

iNEVitabLE tEarS FiLLED My EyESTold to Ahmed Dharbaxo

DiViDED/rEuNitED #3It was October, Sunday morning in the heart of Copenhagen, at the Kon-gens Ny Torv rink, the sunlight was reflecting off the man-made ice for skating. Young people were enjoying the moon-walk on the snow surface. Children were trying hard to skate.

I was standing at the southern corner of the rink where a father was demonstrating to his two young girls how to do it. His young daughter was falling down often. Sometimes the father himself fell down due to an unbalanced move. Every one of this happy family was laughing and enjoying the fun.

While I was watching this beau-tiful scene, memories attacked me.

Leyla and Fatima, my two daugh-ters joined the game. I could see them moving fast on their skates amongst the other children. Leyla was screaming, asking me to join her. A while after I found myself moving on the ice responding her request. After I took few steps, I real-ised that Leyla and Fatima are not in Denmark. They are suffering in a war-weary home. Inevitable tears filled my eyes. I sat down and prayed to God to safeguard them.

My name is Ali Adam, I am asylum seeker and I have lived in Sandholm centre since 2006. I was rejected and asked to leave Den-mark. Because of the war I can not go back home. My wife and children are surviving under dreadful condi-tions. They cannot join me as I am

not legitimate for protection. When-ever I see a father playing with his children, automatically my dreams take me back home. I wish a day will come that I and my children will play happily in the beautiful gardens of Denmark.

newtimes · April 2009 1�

My CouNtry, My HiStory, My FootbaLLa new initiative aims to help build a deeper

and richer understanding between people

from different cultural backgrounds. the

means is storytelling; football storytelling.

By Team New Times

Ajmal came to Denmark in 2009 seeking Asylum from his home country of Afghanistan. Back home, he played football in a ‘B’ team in an upper level league. It was a fairly large part of his life, and three of his brothers also played football. He is currently living in an asylum centre in Denmark, while the fate of his asylum application still remains undecided. He is not discouraged, however.

“When you go to a place that you feel safe, you must like it”, says Ajmal.

He is happy to be free from per-secution, even if his new country is unfamiliar. Football has aided him greatly in meeting new people and

getting connected to others in his same position. About playing with other asylum seekers Ajmal says:

“If you join a football team, you get to know people naturally”.

His outlook seems bright, despite the uncertainty surrounding his life. For now, Ajmal is content to meet new people, and make friends where he can. He sums it up best:

“Through friendship, you can know other cultures”.

It seems that football indeed has connected many people from all over the globe in a small asylum camp in the middle of Denmark.

”My Country, My History, My Football” is a football storytell-ing project coordinated by CARE – Charlton Athletic Race Equal-ity. A partnership consisting of English football club Charlton, its supporter’s club and Greenwich Council [Greenwich London Bor-ough Council, Ed. ].

n It aims to capture the com-plex multi-layered nature of the diversity and distinctiveness of individuals from a range of dif-ferent backgrounds, by explor-ing the role football has played or plays in their lives.

n The project will result in a stunning photographic exhibition of the images taken of each of the participants. A book will also be produced, containing all the images, personal stories and life histories of the participants.

n It will help to promote positive relationships between groups and individuals from differ-ent cultural backgrounds, by enabling and supporting expres-sions of both difference and unity.

n For more information contact:Matthew WingThe Charlton Athletic Race Equality (CARE) PartnershipEmail: mycountrymyhistorymy-football@gmail.com

FaCt:

Ajmal with his ball

Sandholm 4 : DIS 3

1� newtimes · April 2009

rEFuGEES arE PEoPLE too..?

opinion

By John

Refugees are a phenomenon that should not exist in a modern soci-ety. Feelings of pain, fear, humili-ation and death are always in the wake of those who flee. It is very difficult to explain to someone who has never experienced these feel-ings.

Places like Yugoslavia, Somalia, Iraq, and Northern Caucasus are all somewhere very far away. Prime-time news does not spend more than ten minutes a week on stories from

these parts of the world. Thus, unfor-tunately, we can not expect people to grasp the plight of somebody who has managed to escape from torture, death and humiliation. Of course in extremely life- threatening situations when the voice of reason is often silent and people yield to instinctual self-preservation, the world does try to provide protection for the refu-gees.

What if an asylum seeker can neither get protection and freedom in a democratic country by obtain-ing refugee status nor be sent to a third country or their home land? The answer is that they became out-casts.

The Convention Relating to the Status of Refugee is accepted by a lot of countries which have thus

assumed certain obligations. Despite this however, they all have differ-ent laws, and therefore differences that are relevant to the refugees. At first glance it might seem that getting asylum will be a life saved, but this depends, apart from a wel-coming attitude to foreigners, on the economic situation in the receiving country, and the sufficient number of openings in the labour market; espe-cially important in today's economic crisis. Otherwise the new refugee faces a dismal future.

Numerical differenceThe application process for asylum is practically the same in Denmark, Canada, Sweden and Norway; the real difference is in the number of asylum applications and rejected asylum cases. Also, one of the dif-ferences is the existence of many legal regulations that differ from one country to another. Naturally, in case of danger a human being runs to the first safe place, not to the place that has the best asylum policy.

The most ideal destination for an asylum seeker would be Canada because it has the most friendly laws and tolerant society. The differences between the Denmark and Canada are based on a number of different factors, for example, the amount of land, the availability of jobs and the willingness to accept diversity in a multicultural society make Canada the ideal choice for asylum seek-ers; although unrealistic for many of them due to its geographic location.

Denmark, on the other hand is a smaller country, has a more homog-enous population than Canada and policies of integration through assimilation into Danish culture. When seeking asylum in Canada, it is possible to apply for asylum at Canadian embassies, the Canadian border or inside Canada. The same options do not apply for Denmark; here you have to be in the country.

In Canada asylum seekers reli-ant on welfare can be authorised to work. In Sweden an asylum seeker is allowed to hold an ordinary job if the Migration Board's handling-time

is expected to be longer than four months. The same is possible in Nor-way with some conditions, but not in Denmark. Here asylum seekers are not allowed to work at all.

Switch of policySince 2002, the Danish law and the mainstream politics have changed and fewer asylums are granted each year, this means in effect that the chances to gain protection here are minimum, despite the threatening danger or the circumstances that led people to leave their own country. In 2001 the number of asylums granted in Denmark was 6263, by the year 2006 the number was down to 1095. The number of persons granted refu-gee status in 2008 was 1246 despite the fact that the total number of refugees in the world is 8.4 million. Norway and Sweden rank 3rd and 4th by the number of asylum appli-cations per capita, while Denmark ranks 18th.

Furthermore, when presenting their case in Denmark, asylum seek-ers must prove they are in danger personally; affiliation to the oppo-sition parties, religious or national

minority in their home country is not enough to make the case. On the other hand, in Norway, persecution that particularly affects women and persecution due to sexual orientation may also provide grounds for asy-lum. Moreover, in Denmark asylum seekers receive legal aid only after they have received the first rejection by the Immigration Service.

The final misery is that after the asylum seeker's case is finally rejected he/she is highly likely to be deported with the help of police and the use of force, regardless of the consequences.

What if it was you being faced with returning to a country from which you were forced to flee?

refused and overruledRejected asylum seekers who can not be deported immediately, or those who come from countries with which Denmark does not have a repatriation agreement (Irak, Iran, Somalia and Kosovo), or those whose country abandons or rejects them, live in very difficult circum-stances. First their pocket money is reduced, and then they will be put

into one of the departure centres or even in a camp-prison without a certain release date.

We, the asylum seekers wish that you, our Danish hosts, do not get into such a hopeless situation and that God keeps you as far away as pos-sible from the that kind of circum-stance. Your fathers and grandfathers who, despite many hurdles, built a democratic and freedom-loving Denmark would be very ashamed of many of you.

I believe every nation has a gov-ernment which serves and reflects the sentiment of the people. It is difficult to believe that in such an ancient culture and modern democ-racy, xenophobia, human-misan-thropy and nationalist mentality are so prevalent in Denmark in the 21st century.

Just think about it…

Sources: (Sweden) www.migra-tionsverket.se - (Norway) www.

noas.org - (Canada) www.cic.gc.ca - (Denmark) www.nyidanmark.dk

- (UNCHR) www.unhcr.org

“We, the asylum seekers wish that you, our Danish hosts, do not get into such a hopeless situation and that God keeps you as far away as possible from the that kind of circumstance.”

- or how different countries treat people differently

newtimes · April 2009 1�

Phase What happens and the conditions

1 The authorities decide whether the refugee’s case is to be processed in Denmark.

Live in SandholmBasic allowance: DKK 47.35 per day per adult. Basic allowance is not paid to those living in a centre where there is a cafeteria.Families get a caregiver allowanceAll asylum seekers over the age of 18 can receive a supplementary allowance if they comply with the contract regarding completing necessary tasks and participating in job activation or courses. DKK 7.90 per day.

❚❚

❚❚

2 The application for the asylum is in process

Many live in accommodation centres; others in Sandholm or Kongelunden.Most cases are processed according to normal procedure. This means that if the application for asylum is rejected, the case is referred to the Refugee Appeals Board which will make the final ruling on the case. Basic allowance: DKK 47.35 per day per adult. Caregiver allowance paidSupplementary allowance: DKK 27.62 per day.

❚

❚

❚❚❚

3 Refugees who have had a final rejection.Cooperating with repatriation

Live in Sandholm or Avnstrup.Basic allowance: DKK 47.35 per day per adult. Caregiver allowance paidSupplementary allowance: DKK 7.90 per day.

❚❚❚❚

3 Refugees who have had a final rejection.Not cooperating with repatriation

Live in Sandholm or Avnstrup.Asylum seekers receive no allowances. This also applies to families with children.The 'food allowance' programme : primarily intended for asylum seekers who have received the final rejection and have not left the country by the set deadline, and are refusing to co-operate with the police over departure.Families with children under the age of 18 receive a so-called child package every 14 days per child, regardless of age. The child package contains fruit, soft drinks and a few sweets.

❚❚

❚

❚

ça summary of 2009 allowances:

Phase internal courses

internal courses E.g. English Computer, W2W courses,

internal praktik E.g. Kitchen assistant, Cleaning, Assistant, teacher, New Times

External study E.g. Hair-dressing school, Technical college

External praktik E.g. Mechanic, tailor

Voluntary work E.g. In an NGO

Production workshop E.g. Sewing curtains,

1* Introduc-tion course

no yes no no no no

2 yes ** yes yes yes yes yes

3 (cooperat-ing with the authorities)

yes ** yes yes yes yes yes

3(not coop-erating with the authori-ties)

yes, but not Danish

yes yes no no no

* After 3 months they have the same opportunities as asylum seekers in phase 2.**May learn Danish only if relevant to external praktik.

éan overview of the possibilities for study and praktik in the different asylum phases in 2009:

tHE DaNiSH aSyLuM SyStEMin 2008 a total of 2,380 people applied for asylum

in Denmark and 1,441 were granted refugee

status. How did they go through the system?

åthe asylum seekers` way through the system:

arrival in DenmarkRegistering with the policeThe police check the travel route

*the Dublin regulation

EntryThe immigration police take finger prints, photos, Filling in asylum application formsThe Immigration Service informs about the asylum procedureApplication for the humanitarian residence permit

❚❚❚❚

the interview with the immigration serviceThe assessment on the Normal Procedureor Manifestly Unfounded Procedure

**Normal Procedure ***Manifestly unfounded Procedure

The Immigration Service grants asylum

The Immigration Service rejects asylum

integration3 year integration programme in thekommune

appeal caseProcessed by the Refugee Board

****Humanitarian CaseProcessed by the Ministry of Integration

Final rejection *****

Phase 1

Phase 2

Phase 3

the system in Denmark. Every asylum seekers has to go through the asylum system from the beginning of their application up to the grant-ing of asylum or final rejection. See box 1. Note how the process is divided into phases. The different conditions attached to the different phases are summarised in the boxes 2 and 3 below.

*The Dublin Regulation:An asylum application can be processed in one EU country only. If an asylum seeker has already been registered with authorities in another EU country, he / she will be sent to that country where his/her application will be processed.

**Normal Procedure:This means that if the application for asylum is rejected, the case is referred to the Refu-

gee Appeals Board, which will make the final ruling in the case.

***Manifestly Unfounded Procedure:The reasons given by the asylum seeker for seeking asylum do not meet the conditions for asylum as listed in the Danish Aliens Act.

****Humanitarian Case:A residence permit on humanitarian grounds can be granted to people suffering from a

serious physical or psychological illness, and families with young children who come from a nation at war.

***** Final Rejection:After the final rejection an asylum seekers must leave the country. If an asylum seeker does not want to cooperate with the authori-ties, then the Immigration Service may deport them, but not to countries with which Den-mark has no repatriation agreement.

Education and training possibilities. Opportunities for education and training (praktik) are an essential and important part of life for asylum seekers. They help people to prepare for the future, whether in Denmark or elsewhere. There are also financial implications; every asylum seeker must make a contract to take part in education and training activities in order to get their supplementary allowance. The opportunities offered to people in different phases of their asylum procedure are summarised in Box 3

the conditions. The conditions for asylum seekers – the accommodation, education and training and financial allowances – are all decided by the government and administrated by the Immigration Service. The role of the Red Cross is to care for the asylum seekers.

Each asylum seeker is allocated either to a reception, accommodation or departure centre, depending on the phase they are in. Most asylum seek-ers get cash allowances paid every two weeks. The amounts of the allow-ance vary in different phases and different situations. See box 2

By Kaosar

What is an asylum seeker?An Asylum seeker is a person who has fled from his/her home country and is looking to become a refugee in another country.

A refugee is ‘A person who owing to a well founded fear of being persecuted for reason of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or politi-

cal opinion, is outside the country of his nationality and is unable or, owing to such fear, is unwilling to avail himself of the protection of that country; or who, not having a nation-ality and being outside the country of his former habitual residence as a result of such events, is unable or, owing to such fear, is unwilling to return to it’. UN Convention on the Status relat-ing to Refugees, 1951

Information sources: www.nyidanmark.dk,

www.redcross.dk

�0 newtimes · April 2009

Stewart 10 årAsylbarn fra Irak

J e g f l y v e r j e g h a r e n v i n g e o g j e g e r e n f u g l M e n j e g h a r k u n é n v i n g e J e g h a r e n f a r o g e n m o r J e g e r k l a r t i l a t f l y v e S å f l y v e r j e g s a m m e n m e d m i n f a r o g m o r

J e g f l y v e r o g f l y v e rS å s e r j e g f u g l e d e r e r f a n g e t i e n s n o r S å v i l j e g b e f r i d e m D e k a l d e r p å m i g H j æ l p h j æ l p S å g å r j e g n e d o g h j æ l p e r d e m

Merna Samir Alhozy is 20 years old and has recently been granted asylum. She, together with her mother and younger sister, used to be one of the 364 rejected asylum Iraqi seek-ers who are in the so-called ‘return situation’. She wrote this poem during this period.

My heart is stillFar away i hear life shoutingi call out: where are you?but your source has dried up.you are like a river without water,a dried up riverbed.

on the beachWe sat and talked about our sorrows- me, the sea, the night and the stars.but as i was tellingthe sea began to risethe waves got biggerthe night became suffocating, heavyand the stars disappeared.they called to me:Enough! We can’t bear to hear more!

the things human souls need,Don’t come to me.but the things no one wantsCome running.When will the good things come?My years are like a heavy purse Full of grief.How do you cast sorrow away?Now it’s enoughFor all the years that have gone by- With all the lights that have melted.Far away i hear joy shout out,i call: where are you?but only the sea, the night and the stars hear me.Translated from the Danish by Patricia

I am flying

I am flyingI’ve got a wingAnd I’m a birdBut I’ve only got one wingI have a father and a motherI’m ready to flySo I flyTogether with my father and mother

I fly and flyThen I see birdsCaught in a netI want to free themThey call to meHelp HelpSo I go downAnd help them

Stewart, 10 years, asylum child

CrEatiVE PaGENew times is proud to present a new feature: a creative page to

bring you examples of asylum seekers' creativity and imangination.