OPINION: Everyone deserves freedom, dignity and the right to practice their faith

Maun Refuge is the local charity that supports refugees. Every so often we bring you a story written by the refugees themselves. Our previous refugee story was from Nadia, a woman with professional qualifications who had to begin her qualifications all over again in English. Our next story is from a young man who does not mention qualifications, only religious beliefs. Meet Karim (not his real name).

He writes: “I am from Somalia, where I grew up in a community with strong religious traditions. As I became older, I started asking questions about my faith and spent a long time reading and learning. Eventually, I made the personal decision to follow the Shia branch of Islam. It was not an easy choice, but it was one that I made because I believed it was right. I knew there could be consequences, but I never imagined how much my life would change.

“When people discovered my beliefs, everything around me changed. Friends stopped speaking to me, neighbours looked at me with suspicion, and even some members of my own family rejected me. I felt isolated and alone. Every day I lived with fear, never knowing who might report me or threaten me because of my faith. The people I had trusted became the people I feared.

“Because of my religion, I was arrested and detained. During my detention, I was physically abused and treated cruelly. The pain I experienced was not only physical but also emotional. I remember wondering if I would ever see my family again or if I would leave the prison alive. Those memories still stay with me today.

 “The most painful moment of my life was seeing my religious teacher killed. He was a kind and patient man who encouraged me to seek knowledge and remain faithful to my beliefs. Watching his life taken away in front of me is something I will never forget. It was a moment that changed me forever and made me realise that my own life was also in danger.

 “Leaving Somalia was the hardest decision I have ever made. I had to leave behind my family, my home, and everything I had ever known. The journey to safety was long, dangerous, and uncertain. There were many moments when I felt hopeless, but I kept going because I wanted the chance to live without fear.

 “Today, I live in Mansfield and hope to build a peaceful future. Although I feel safe, the memories of what happened remain with me every day. I still miss my family and my homeland, but I also carry hope. By sharing my story, I want people to understand the suffering faced by those who are persecuted because of their beliefs. I hope my story reminds others that everyone deserves freedom, dignity, and the right to practise their faith without fear.”

 Like Karim, a few asylum seekers in Mansfield are Shia, others are Sunni Muslims. They have arrived here from parts of Africa, the Middle East, or South Asia. Many languages are spoken. But most  people are very keen to learn English. We provide ESOL lessons, but we need more volunteer teachers.

 To become a Maun Refuge Volunteer or a Trustee

email [email protected] or call 07564 910983.