Amaniel left his family in Eritrea a year ago. His wife remained with their four year old and six month old baby, who Amaniel has never met. Desperate to escape infinite conscription and find a safer life for his family, Amaniel fled his home like so many others. Now living in Northern England, he is awaiting a decision on his UK asylum claim.
But this is not his first attempt at fleeing his life in Eritrea. "I was in the army for fifteen years before I escaped the first time. I never wanted to be a soldier. I've fought in so many wars and I've seen terrible things" he said, “I was taken out of school at 16 to be a soldier – I never wanted to do any of it. So I ran away from the army on a visit home. Lots of people do it, or try to. I was caught and imprisoned for almost six years. I didn't see my family at all. I didn’t know if I would ever get out.”
Amaniel sought the help of a friend in the police for his second escape. He reached Sudan and paid a smuggler $2500 to get to Europe. Four months ago, he left the Libyan coast in a boat with almost 500 men, women – some pregnant – and children. "I had to get in a small boat at night with so many people. As we were crossing, our boat broke down and I think we were at sea for three days, but I don't know for sure" he said, “The Italian coast guard rescued us. I think everyone survived, but again, I don’t know for sure.”
"I think everyone survived the crossing, but I don't know for sure"
From Italy, Amaniel took trains to Calais where he lived in the 'Jungle' camp for three months, trying to board the Eurostar. "Every night, I tried to get through the barriers to the train. There were so many dogs and police – it’s very dangerous. My friend’s leg was smashed trying to board the train and another friend’s hand was broken".
After three months of trying, Amaniel managed to board the train. He hid in a lorry until the driver discovered him in England and he had to get out. “I was wandering on the side of the road, unsure of where I was or where to go”, Amaniel said, “the police found me and I was in jail for three days. They took my DNA and finger prints to find out who I was. I am not a criminal, I have nothing to hide”. He was then processed as an asylum seeker and sent to Northern England, where he now lives in provided housing, awaiting the decision of his application. His prospects are mixed, as the number of Eritreans being approved to remain has dropped this year from 73% to 34%.
"Asylum seekers whose claims have failed are often destitute and they receive no formal support"
Amaniel speaks to his wife by phone each week, "she is only 22, things are very hard for her. She has no money and she has not had much of an education, like me. I hope I can work to be able to bring her and my children here". If Amaniel is successful in his own claim for asylum, he and his wife will have to apply for family reunion. If he is allowed to stay, Amaniel wants to become a taxi driver to be able to afford to bring them to Britain.
But if he is not successful, Amaniel will face further challenges. “Asylum seekers whose claims have failed are often destitute and they receive no formal support” said Sarah Eldridge of City of Sanctuary, a charity which helps asylum seekers, “Putting together a fresh application in that position is extremely hard and some end up destitute for many years.” Some figures put the number of destitute asylum seekers at 600 in Sheffield alone.
"I just want a peaceful life"
For Amaniel, his future has been uncertain for much of his life. As a soldier and on the road and water to the UK, his life was in danger. The same can be said now that he has arrived to Britain and is processing his claim. If unsuccessful, he will have to leave, perhaps to return to Eritrea where he may face persecution. If he is able to afford a second claim here, which requires expensive legal assistance, he would be permitted to stay while that is being processed.
Alternatively, he could try his luck in another European country. But these are not cheap options and if he can't afford either, he could face indefinite destitution on British streets. Certainty in Amaniel's life only begins to become a reality if he is granted asylum and can bring his family to join him. "I just want a peaceful life, for my wife, me and my children. I want to work, to learn and to have that for them. I just want a peaceful life now."
Copyright all text and images: Polly Dennison
