JONATHAN Kazembe is a trainee teacher from Kirumba, Goma in the Democratic Republic of Congo. He has suffered harassment and discrimination as a member of the Banyamulenge tribe, blamed by other tribes for bringing instability to the region. 

Things got worse when Jonathan joined a humanitarian organization in 2002 and fought, with others, to stop the conscription of child soldiers by both rebel (R.C.D.) and government forces. 

Soldiers would march into the school and seize boys as young as eight years, giving them guns and sending them to fight and kill. 

After protesting Jonathan was captured by rebels, thrown into a makeshift jail, interrogated and tortured.  Friends got him out of jail but they soon realized Jonathan must flee the country. 

He arrived at Heathrow in January 2005.  Jonathan’s first asylum claim failed.  He was not given the help of a Swahili interpreter and did not fully understand what was going on.  Also he was moved from London to Ashton-under-Lyne part way through the process. 

Communication was by mobile telephone from then on.  Two appeals were not upheld but the judge on the second occasion said “it would be inhumane to send him back” at that time and that he might be allowed to make a fresh asylum claim for which new evidence would be required. 

However, Jonathan was then made homeless and destitute until taken in by a family in Glossop, where he has lived as one of the family ever since.  He is active doing voluntary work in the community, where he has a great deal of support. 

Jonathan is still severely traumatized by his experiences and has been receiving regular counselling at the Medical Foundation for the care of Victims of Torture since November 2007. 

Gathering fresh evidence has been hindered by Jonathan’s mental distress, and by the recurrent anxiety about Home Office interviews, but progress is being made and a fresh claim is being prepared by specialist immigration Solicitors.

Despite this there is evidence that the Home Office is seeking to prepare documents for Jonathan’s removal before the claim can be considered.  This would deny Jonathan Justice and deprive the community of a loved and valued member. 

To support the call for the Secretary of State to reconsider Jonathan's case and give him leave to remain, click on 'Submit comment' below, leaving your name, e-mail address and any comment you wish to make.

To protest about Jonathon's deportation, write to Immigration Minister Liam Byrne at the Home Office, 2 Marsham Street, London, SW1P 4DF quoting Jonathon's Home Office Reference Number: K1197791.