Being a refugee means living a life based on hope, strength, and courage. You cannot afford the luxury of losing these three, not even for a moment.
The unpredictability of life, that you might wake up stateless, or repatriated back to a country you fled or lucky enough to be resettled in another country, is frustrating. A number of educated, hardworking, passionate young people are prone to not only being stateless but being unemployed and encamped.
In my case, it has been a long 28 years, just hoping for a durable solution. You would think being born in a country of refuge could give you an advantage of being treated differently. No, I am still neither here nor there. The need for refugees to receive appropriate assistance specifically to address issues that might lead to statelessness is urgent and clear.
My family and I have been sent from pillar to post since 2008 after the Government exempted us to apply for local integration. My parents originated from Angola. Thirteen years of hope, waiting, eagerness, anxiety, fear, name it all. We can’t even cross the border. Sometimes it feels like imprisonment!
Story by Claudia Manuel
Skillshare International Botswana’s response: Skillshare supports Claudia, her family and all refugees who find themselves in this tough predicament. We believe that through a comprehensive approach, we can work to eliminate some of the barriers that prevent all immigrants and asylum seekers from reaching their fullest potential.
Human rights is one of the issues that Skillshare International Botswana advocates very strongly for. For the refugees, the Government has been asked issue travel documents to the refugees, as per the 1951 Convention on the Status of Refugees. This is an important component of anyone’s life, to feel they can travel freely without restrictions. It’s another reason Skillshare International Botswana advocates for the reduction of statelessness.
Looking Ahead: During the month of October 2021, we will be engaged in public awareness and education on statelessness through radio, TV and social media. We wish to invite you to be part of this very important conversation.
To learn how you can get involved, visit skillsharebots.org and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
Thank you Claudia for sharing your story. It hurts indeed, but hei, don’t worry, God will surely make a way for your and your family
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