Summer 2017

A MAGAZINE WRITTEN BY ASYLUM SEEKERS IN DENMARK

NEWTIMES SUMMER 2017 > ISSUE # 102

THE LONELY CHILDREN – Special theme on children who escaped on their own Page 7

HOW TO GET THE BEST OUT OF YOUR WAITING TIME PAGE 4 DIFFICULT TO FIND DANISH FRIENDS PAGE 15 BOOK A PRESENTATION

BY AN ASYLUM SEEKER PAGE 16

DEAR READER In this magazine we put spotlight on a vulnerable group among the asylum seekers; the children alone. An increasing share of the asylum seekers are lonely children. These lonely children take dangerous routes relying on their instincts, stamina and luck to manage to arrive to a safe haven like ours in Denmark.

Here in Denmark the share of minors in the statistics has went from 5,7% in 2013 to 19% last year. Who are they? What

challenges do they face? And who helps them? Find the answers to these questions inside the magazine.

Also in this edition you can read about the struggle of a refugee trying to find Danish friends. It is not so easy, and as a refugee you are quickly put in a box as one of “them”. But who are “they”? Well, you will only find out small bits and pieces by reading the newspapers or watch the television. You will find out much more by meeting

them. And there are many ways that this can be arranged. The most easy way might be to book a presentation by an asylum seeker (see more inside the magazine), you can also sign up as a volunteer in a local asylum center or volunteer house or try to chat with the ones living in your neighborhood - even though it is not very Danish to start chatting with people you do not know :-) For all our asylum seeker readers I will recommend the

guide written by one of our staff members who has been in the asylum system for more than eight years. Despite the many years in the system she is still standing tall and does great things for herself and others. Read her tips about how to tackle the long waiting time in the best possible way.

Thank you for reading.

Robin Ali Ahrenkiel El-Tanany

WHAT IS NEW TIMES? New Times is a magazine written by asylum seekers in Denmark.

The magazine is supported by the Red Cross and published every three months. It is distributed to asylum centres, the members of Parliament, media houses, organisations and selected Red Cross second hand shops. The magazine has existed in more than 20 years and gives a rare voice to the asylum seekers in Denmark.

"LIFE IS VERY PRECIOUS" "I came to Denmark near the end of 2011 when I was 18 years old. I was happy and feeling good, but later I had many problems. One of the problems was in 2013 when I was diagnosed with cancer. I had to go to the doctor, and he explained to me that it was very dangerous. He even said that I might die.

I was treated in different hospitals and had many operations. Then I was cured. After this dangerous episode, I feel that life is very precious. I must be happy and smiling to enjoy life, and the moments I live. Life is precious, and this is the secret of my smiling and happiness.

I dream of a peaceful life here in Denmark. I finished my 9th year in VUC, and now I am having a break from school to follow my asylum case and trying to reopen my case with the Immigration Service".

Mouase is from Chad and 24 years old.

Story by Makmoud

REFUGEES. REPORT. LIFE.

NEWTIMES Published by: The Danish Red Cross Editorial Office: New Times Rosenørns Allé 31, 2. sal, 1970 Frederiksberg Email: newtimesdk@gmail.com www.newtimes.dk Tel. +45 23 34 58 87 Editor: Robin Ali Ahrenkiel El-Tanany

Journalists Hala, Makmoud, Danial, Mila, Marion, Paiwand, Mustafa, Wafa and Eden Intern Laura Arlund Yderholm Volunteers Hamid Frontpage picture Girl in the asylum center Annebergparken for unaccompanied minors in Zealand. The picture is taken by Jon Spangsvig from the organisation TurningTables which facilitated a workshop for the children there in April.

PAGE 2 | ISSUE # 102 | SUMMER 2017 | NEW TIMES

Layout: Jens Burau, supergreen.dk Printed by: OTM Avistryk Distributed to: Asylum centres, Ministries, Members of the Danish Parliament, public libraries, asylum and human rights organizations, NGOs, media and individuals in Denmark and abroad.

Subscription: If you would like to subscribe to New Times send us an email at newtimesdk@gmail.com and we will send it directly to your email inbox as soon as the next issue is out. If you would

like to receive the magazine by post send us an email for details.

ASIG: ASIG (Asylum Seekers Information Group) answers questions about asylum and life as a refugee. Individuals, teachers, students, journalists and anyone interested in asylum matters are welcome to send an inquiry. To book the group for lectures, presentations and discussions contact newtimesdk@gmail.com Support: We are supported by the Danish Red Cross adult education and training department.

Note: Some of the journalists use their real names, but some use pseudonyms because they do not want their whereabouts known by people in their home countries.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed are those of the authors and the persons interviewed and not – unless stated clearly – the opinion of the Danish Red Cross.

HUSBAND REUNITED WITH HIS CHILDREN AND PREGNANT WIFE IN ASYLUM CENTER IN DENMARK Hekmatullah got lost from his pregnant wife and children on their escape to Europe, but after four months they found each other again in an asylum center in Denmark ❚❚By: Baryalai Wafa A car mechanic was living with his family in the Helmand province in Afghanistan, which is a very dangerous place. His name is Hekmatullah Alizada and he left his home country in 2015 with his two children and a pregnant wife because of the war. They came together to Maku in Iran, near the Turkish border, but in that moment a smuggler told him that he must separate from his wife and children when they cross the border to Turkey.

Hekmatullah was waiting for many hours when he crossed the border, but the smuggler just said: “Don’t worry. Your family have gone forward and you will meet them soon”.

But when he reached Greece, he didn't find his wife and children and he was so worried, because he didn't have any contact with his family.

REJECTION OF ASYLUM

After all he reached Denmark in September 2015 with so many problems. He was sleep-

less and had scary dreams. He informed the Red Cross about his missing family and they took information from him. “I was crying and praying that maybe one day I would meet my family again”.

And one day, after four months, his family arrived at his asylum center: “That moment was a new life for me”. And one month later his third daughter was born in Denmark.

He gave three interviews to

the immigration office during one year, but he got negative response. Now he is waiting for a lawyer and hope is the only strength for him.

Hekmatullah and his children reunited in their room in their center (Photo: Baryalai Wafa)

NEWS Asylum decisions 2015 + 2016

Rejection (with percentage) Subsidiary/humanitarian status Convention status

First instance, selected countries SYRiANS

ERITREANS

4%

3%

2015

DENMARK

3%

3%

2015

GERMANY

1%

IRAQIS

69%

76%

74%

88%

SOMALIS

57%

6%

2016

3%

AFGHANS

2%

27%

2% 40%

2016

75%

46%

24%

18%

BIG DIFFERENCE IN EUROPEAN COUNTRIES’ ASYLUM DECISIONS There is a big difference between the decisions of asylum cases in Denmark, Germany and Sweden. The assessment of whether or not a person is in danger should be impartial and non-political. However, decisions from our neighbouring countries are highly different and tendentious, writes refugees.dk based on numbers from Eurostat.

NO MORE DEPORTATIONS TO HUNGARY The Danish authorities decided in the beginning of May to stop sending asylum seekers back to Hungary despite of the Dublin Convention because of the bad situation of the human rights in the country. The picture shows a line of Syrian refugees crossing the border of Hungary and Austria in 2015 (Photo: Mstyslav Chernov / CC)

2%

3% 52%

2015

SWEDEN

4%

2016

63%

44%

6% 63%

73%

53%

Chart: REFUGEES.DK, data from Eurostat 21.03.17

NEW TIMES | SUMMER 2017 | ISSUE # 102| PAGE 3

HOW TO GET THE BEST OUT OF YOUR WAITING TIME Waiting time as an asylum seeker can be quite stressful, but I am giving you the recipe for how to “survive” this difficult time in a less excruciating way. In this guide you can find several things to do, to make your waiting time easier

Spend your waiting time in the asylum system in the best possible way. You can never know how long it will take. Six months, one year or many years…

PAGE 4 | ISSUE # 102 | SUMMER 2017 | NEW TIMES

❚❚Story and picture by Mila No doubt it is difficult to escape to another country and try to create a new life. This process is almost like climbing steep stairs in a high building without an elevator. And the long waiting time is not making it easier. I have been waiting for more than eight years - and I am still waiting.

HOW TO OVERCOME ‘THE STAIRS’

When you come to Denmark as an asylum seeker the future is unclear for you. You have to start over and find out where you are going to live, work, study and other daily stuff. For me the waiting time for the decision from the Danish Immigration Service was definitely the hardest one. Basically because you can never know how long it will take. six months, one year or many years…

But how to survive this waiting time? It is time to share how I conquered the long wait without losing hope. My own experiences gave me a huge opportunity to create the recipe for dealing with the waiting time.

However, here are some strategies that worked for me and they might also work for you. I hope you enjoy reading it and can use the advices for yourself.

It might seem impossible but remember the wise words of Nelson Mandela, “It always seems impossible until it is done”.

1) USE YOUR TIME REASONABLE - EXPLORE EVERYTHING ABOUT DENMARK

Everything is new for you when you come to Denmark. Therefore it is an amazing idea to use the waiting time to explore the Danish culture, the history of Denmark and the overall life of the Danish people. No doubt it is always useful to begin with small daily things like to find out

the value of the Danish krone, where you can find cheap markets for shopping and how you can travel in Denmark. Getting a grip on your new everyday life can remove your nervousness about the new country you have just arrived to and make you less worried for the future.

2) LEARN DANISH

It can be pretty stressful when you cannot explain yourself or even understand what people say around you. Learning the language is the best way to begin integration and to start being a part of the community. When you use your waiting time to learn Danish it will be easier for you when you get your residence permission.

Danish is a difficult language to learn, my advice is not to give up. It might seem impossible but remember the wise words of Nelson Mandela, “It always seems impossible until it is done”.

3) GET CLOSE TO NATURE

Research reveals that environments can reduce our stress and contact with nature makes people happier and healthy.

Being in the nature increases pleasant feelings and also contributes to our physical wellbeing. So what is better than to have a walk in the small Danish forests? You can explore the nature and see what kinds of flowers and trees are growing in Denmark. In the end of your walk you will quietly feel the inner calmness.

then it is a good idea to begin with easy books as children books. Otherwise librarians are always helpful with finding a great book for you.

5) ENGAGE IN SOCIAL ACTIVITIES

One of the important things for me is to make a network.

When spending time with your friends it is like the waiting time seems shorter. Therefore making network is almost necessary. There is a lot ways to meet new people. For example you do not only improve your health when you are going to physical activity but also your social life. Or working as volunteer can give you opportunity to make huge network. The support you get from your friends are always helpful for your patience in waiting time.

6) BE OPTIMISTIC

Although waiting time can provide frustration it requires being an optimist. Being an optimist means that you hope and believe in the best will happen and that you look on the future with a smile. It will make you free from all your stress. The important fact is that you have to see the bright side of the case. I was thinking by myself that I have to use my waiting time reasonable because no matter how old you are it is a lot of thing you can do in your spare time. Think about your waiting time as your spare time and give your best shot for enjoying it.

4) READ A GOOD BOOK

Another thing that helped me through the waiting time was reading books. It depends on which literary genre you like to read but no doubt you will always get something good out of it. You can have a calm day with a nice book and actually get a huge knowledge without even changing location. If you are new in learning Danish

NEW TIMES | SUMMER 2017 | ISSUE # 102| PAGE 5

SHUTTING DOWN ASYLUM CENTRES MAKES THE LIVES OF ASYLUM SEEKERS EVEN HARDER

Thyregod

Abir: “We have this bad situation, and they make it worse when they move us from camp to camp. We are so sad now, and we don't know what to do.

It is difficult when someone control your life and make decisions for your life”

Kongelunden

Many of the people from Kongelunden will be transferred to a place called Thyregod in the central part of Jutland.

❚❚By: Makmoud

Syriyani: “Try to keep people around Copenhagen, because we feel more freedom here.

Keep us around here” FACTS: Kongelunden has been a special center for vulnerable asylum seekers since 1984. The reason for the closing is that the buildings have been infected by a type of fungus that is dangerous for the health of the people living and working there - and it is very costly to get rid of it.

The asylum seekers living in Kongelunden are moving to new places. Some to a women’s center in Dianalund. Others to a newly established center for vulnerable asylum seekers in Jutland with access to similar health care and education as in Kongelunden.

When the authorities decide to close down asylum centres, the enormous personal consequences for the asylum seekers are even greater than imagined.

These people come from chaotic places, and many of them have been through traumatic experiences. What they need most in their lives is safety and security. The don’t get that by moving from center to center

Abir Mohammad came to Denmark two and a half years ago and has been in Kongelunden for six months now.

“I think it is the 7th time I will move from camp to another camp. It is so difficult to me and for my brothers because it is a bad situation. We started to be comfortable here, we have family here and began to know people and make relationships here at Kongelunden. Now we shall start from the beginning: go to a new place and a new camp and make new relationship with people. It is so difficult. They have destroyed us when they move us so many times. We have this bad situation, and they make it worse when they move us from camp to camp. We are so sad now, and we don't know what to do. It is difficult when someone control our life and make decisions for your life”, says Abir.

UNCERTAIN FUTURE

Not only does the shutting down of asylum centres make

PAGE 6 | ISSUE # 102 | SUMMER 2017 | NEW TIMES

the lives of the asylum seekers unfortunate now, it also makes their future even more doubtful and uncertain than it was before.

“I don't have any idea about the future. Before I came here in Denmark I thought it was a country that cared about human rights, I had a lot of hope and dreams, and I think about the future and I had a lot of things I wanted to do. After this long time and after what I see from this bad behaviour from the Immigration Service. Even my dreams and my future now they destroyed. I don't have anything for the future now”, says Abir.

“LIFE GOES TO A HARD LIFE”

It’s not only psychologically better not to be moved around from centre to centre, for the physical health and the possibilities for the asylum seekers, it is much more fortunate for them to stay at one centre.

Syriyani also lives at Kongelunden, and she feels safe there, but she is not sure that

she will feel the same someplace else.

“The medical care is very important. All the doctors and nurses are very friendly here.

They know what we need, and what our problem is. I don't know if the new place will give me what I need. Many things are changing. The life goes to a hard life. Now we get more stressful. It is very hard to move very far from Copenhagen. We have close friends here. We don't know what to do. They must understand our feelings.

We are all human”, says Syriyani.

HOW TO KEEP HEAD UP

However, to not lose her mind, Syriyani needs to keep her head up: “I hope to do the same things as I did in Kongelunden before. Education is important.

It was here at Kongelunden.

They had special care at Kongelunden, so I hope they have special care. We need education and not feeling depressed.

If you make yourself busy, go

to school and have a goal, you will be happy. When you get positive, you can start your new life. You can prepare your future in the camp. I really want to say please don't move people out from Kongelunden.

Try to keep people around Copenhagen, because we feel more freedom here. This is from the feelings. Just look at our feelings. Keep us around here. We don’t know how they (the new centre, ed.) will welcome us”, says Syriyani.

Her message is clear: do not move people away from their homes.

“Many people had things to do in Copenhagen, but everybody stopped. It is so hard. The planning for the future is all destroyed, so you must start from new again. It is so hard.

Like me, I feel very hard. We don't know what to do. Sometimes I want to give up, but we will keep fighting. Friends will empower us. We must be strong and keep fighting though life is not easy and people manage our life”, says Syriyani.

THE LONELY CHILDREN – Theme on children escaping alone In recent years a big proportion of the asylum seekers coming to Denmark - and Europe in general - are children alone on the run. So far this year 20% of all asylum seekers in Denmark were children who managed the dangerous route to Denmark on their own.

Meet some of the children on the following pages and hear about their lives here in Denmark, their challenges and the amazing help they receive from volunteers.

NEW TIMES | SUMMER 2017 | ISSUE # 102| PAGE 7

DEEWA’S POEM

I was threatened to be burned alive Because I was holding a book And wanted to educate myself At that moment I wasn’t afraid of death I was afraid of being in prison and ignorant I was afraid of living on my knees I want to say something No, I need to say something Because I wanted to change something My dream is to make other people believe in themselves I will bring a change in the world I will bring all the people together I will break all the rules that make Differences between girls and boys I will to change the concept and mindset That says that boys are better than girls Or that boys are stronger and more intelligent Girls are also allowed to dream and to set goals Everyone in this world is allowed to dream I want to spread love I want to be the girl Who will make other girls believe In their intelligence and power But yes I do have fear in me I admit that yes sometimes I don’t want to wake up in the mornings I feel weak and sometimes I do cry I know my fear and that’s why I am standing DEEWA IS FROM AFGHANISTAN The poem was created as part of a workshop by the organisation Turning Tables www.turningtables. org in April 2017 in the children’s center Anneberg. Picture by Jon Spangsvig.

PAGE 8 | ISSUE # 102 | SUMMER 2017 | NEW TIMES

Photo: Jon Spangsvig

90.000 UNACCOMPANIED CHILDREN IN EUROPE According to Eurostat 90,000 unaccompanied minors sought asylum in Europe in 2015. More than half were Afghans while the second largest group were Syrians at 16% of the total. The country that received most of the applications was Sweden

25 %

with 35,250 applications. Germany, Hungary and Austria followed Sweden as the main destination for unaccompanied minors.

The number has also increased in Denmark where, according to the Danish Immigration service,

2144 unaccompanied minors sought asylum in 2015. 844 came from Afghanistan, 584 from Syria and 168 from Eritrea.

Sources: Eurostat, Refugees. dk, Danish Immigration Service, Red Cross

How many of the asylum seekers in Denmark are lonely children?

FACTS: 1 in 40 die on the sea The Central Mediterranean route is one of the most used crossings for refugees to Europe. It is also one of the world’s deadliest, with 4,579 deaths – including an estimated 700 child deaths – recorded alongside 180,000 arrivals in 2016.

That means that 1 in 40 people who attempted to make the crossing died in the process.

(Source: Unicef )

20 % Year

15 %

2012

10 % 5% 2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

All asylum seekers

Unaccompanied minors

Percentage

6.148

355

5,7%

2013

7.557

354

4,7%

2014

14.792

818

5,5% 10,05%

2015

21.316

2.144

2016

6.266

1.184

19%

2017 (First two months)

458

93

20%

2017

( First to months)

NEW TIMES | SUMMER 2017 | ISSUE # 102| PAGE 9

ABDIWAHAB USES FOOTBALL TO MELT INTO THE DANISH SOCIETY 16 years old Abdiwahab takes advantage of his football talent to integrate in Denmark. In 2016 he won North Zealand Championships in street football. Now he is training other asylum seeker children while he is waiting for the decision from Immigration Service

❚❚By: Mustafa & Mila Everyone in the asylum center Gribskov knows Abdiwahab very well. They have seen him in the television but also in the center. Abdiwahab is very famous in Somalia because he was playing in the national youth football team when he lived there. He is from the capital of Somalia, Mogadishu, and is now an unaccompanied minor in Denmark. Since he

arrived last year he impressed everyone with his talent and showed his love to football. In 2016 he won North Zealand Championship which has been a great experience for Abdiwahab.

HIS TALENT COST HIM A LOT IN HIS COUNTRY

Abdiwahab has been playing football since the age of 13 years. He has developed his technique in the Mogadishu’s

PAGE 10 | ISSUE # 102 | SUMMER 2017 | NEW TIMES

streets. But he had also bad experiences.

“One day when I was playing football the soldiers joined me and got very impressed. I got a trophy and the chance to become a player in the Youth Football team. But one day everything became a nightmare.

The militia was looking for me and they killed my father and my sister. And I was forced to escape from my country.” he tells while he rubs his hands.

During the interview Peter, who is his contact person, entered to the room and you could clearly see the smile on Abdiwahab’s face. He greeted Peter and told us that Peter has helped him a lot.

Peter has helped him to move to his own apartment in Hillerød and to be a member of football club in Hillerød. Peter is inspiration to Abdiwahab

“MY TALENT HAS BEEN THE KEY FOR INTEGRATION”

“It was really hard in the beginning to come to a new country

but my talent has been the key for integration in Denmark. For me the only way to become a part of Danish Society is football. It is much easier to find friends this way. Now I have friends whom I hang out with” Abdiwahab says.

“My new life has giving me opportunities. I am cooking for myself and do volunteer jobs. I train other kids in the asylum center every Sunday.” he tells us with a big smile in his eyes.

Even though he is very active he do not think that he has reached his dream yet. His goal is to become a professional football player and also to start an education.

Abdiwahab recommends to other children to focus on their dreams even though it is hard to live without family. He also tells that he see every Danes like people who is taking care of him and will help him to become a professional football player in Denmark.

ART PROJECT BRINGS YOUNG DANES TOGETHER WITH YOUNG ASYLUM SEEKERS “Meetings in a box” is a creating art project which is initiated in cooperation between Red Cross, Grundtvig Højskole and the NGO ‘Alverdens Børn’.

12 minor asylum seekers met with 10 students at Grundtvigs Højskole in order to create art together

❚❚By Marion Chen and Mustafa Ditte Thomassen is a teacher in Grundtvig Højskole, and works with the school’s refugee programme, which helps the refugee students to learn Danish and get networks of Danish students and friends and knowl-

edge of the culture and society.

She is one of the partners in the art creating project with minor refugees.

When Red Cross contacted her about the project for the minor refugees, she was very happy to do it. “It would be great for our students because we have worked a lot with inte-

gration,” Ditte says, “Actually integration is pretty hard, there are so many things which are difficult. ” Ditte feels that integration is so difficult because there is so much misunderstanding. Students in the Grundtvig Højskole work together with the refugee students, learn different cul-

tures, and they also learn about themselves and where their limits are.

The students in the Grundtvig Højskole went to the Centre Gribskov and met the young refugees there. “They were very emotional when they came back and really happy to meet the children there,” says Ditte.

FACTS:

“HE IS HAPPY TO HAVE SOMEONE HERE WHO KNOWS HIS FAMILY” Jafar Mustafa is a Syrian Kurdish refugee himself. He is 21 years old. He has been in Denmark for one year and five months and got asylum granted. He is now studying at Grundtvig Højskole.

He met a 14 year old Syrian boy Ahamed among those children, who he knows before he fled to Denmark.

“It was a little bit hard for him at the beginning,” says Jafar about Ahamed,” that’s why I helped him with the painting in this creative art project and he is happy to have someone here who knows his family.”

“I AM DOING SOMETHING MEANINGFUL”

“WE COMMUNICATE WITH HAND GESTURES”

Malou Graff-Ellekilde is a Danish student in Grundtvig Højskole. She is 21 years old.

Malou thinks that it is a great idea to be creating art with minors refugees from the asylum centres. It hasn’t been done before at the Grundtvig Højskole.

“I’m surprised how easy they start talking to us and how easy it is to get them to smile,” says Malou.” I feel that being with them is an important way to spend my time. I could have been going to parties or else instead, but this is much more meaningful to me.”

Malou takes the creative art project as a meaningful thing to her because she thinks that she can make a small difference by what she is doing now.

Kate Wu Drost is a 21 years old student in Grundtvig Højskole.

She came to Denmark with her mother from China when she was 12 years old.

Kate is very happy to participate in the project of creating art together with refugees, meeting them and having dialogues with them.

“It gives us a chance to know their stories. A lot of Danish students have never met a refugee in person from another culture like this,“ says Kate Kate thinks that it is incredible that these children have fled out of their countries and even though they have been through alot, they can still laugh. “They are nice people and like to work with us. It’s just amazing that even though we don’t speak the same language, we are trying to communicate with our hand gestures,” Kate says.

What is “Meetings in a box”?: “Meetings in a box” is an art project led by artist Mariana Viegas from the organisation ‘Alverdens Børn’.

Children design art inside a box that expresses their feelings.

The project is supported by the Intercultural Center and aims at building bridges between civil society, asylum departments and schools by making children from the different sectors of society meet and create art together.

NEW TIMES | SUMMER 2017 | ISSUE # 102| PAGE 11

“THE SUPPORT FROM LARS MEANS A LOT TO ME” Lars Holtug is a representative for Ehsan, who came without his parents to Denmark last year in July. The relationship between Lars and Ehsan has only got stronger by time ❚❚By Mustafa and Mila Lars Holtug drives more than 100 km to Kalundborg almost every week to spend time with Ehsan, a young boy from Afghanistan. Lars Holtug is volunteering as a representative for Ehsan who is an unaccompanied minor in Denmark, helping the child with the contact to the Danish authorities. Lars is 58 years old and is a Danish citizen living in Copenhagen with his wife.

Lars has always been busy with his career.

Since he reduced some of his work he got spare time and he wished to use it very reasonable.

“In the newspapers and the other medias you read and hear a lot about refugees. But unfortunately you as reader get a bad image of the refugees. I wanted to see it with my own eyes and also of course help someone who is in need. Therefore I decided to contact Red Cross and ask them if I could be a representative for an unaccompanied refugee child. I did not have any idea about who I was going to be representative for”, Lars says.

Lars ended up being a representative for Ehsan. Ehsan is a young boy from Afghanistan.

He arrived to Denmark in july in 2016 and lived in an asylum center for unaccompanied minors in Gribskov, but has now moved to a center for adults in Kalundborg (as the Danish authorities believes he is above 18, even though Ehsan says he is 16 years old).

Ehsan is happy about his relationship with Lars.

“We enjoy each others’ company. I visit Lars and his family on the weekends and I have also been in their summerhouse. It was really beautiful.

Lars teaches me a lot. We were out running about six kilometres and I was wondering how it was possible for an old man to be so healthy. Sometimes we cook together and it is a challenge for me. Lars also teaches me small things, like how to eat with a fork and a knife“, Ehsan says.

In his spare time Ehsan plays cricket and he has joined a team close to Kalundborg. He has also found an internship in a mobile phone shop, which he is happy about. When he got it shared it with Lars by phone call.

Ehsan has recently been

during the interviews with the police and as he tells it, it was extremely strict. “ It took many hours and I could see it had a huge effect on Ehsan.”

RECOMMENDING TO OTHERS

Lars recommends everyone with the interest to sign up to be a representative. “I will 100% say that it is huge opportunity.

It is good for both sides. You learn a lot about different cultures. Since I became a representative I have recommended it to everyone I know. I only have good experiences with Ehsan,” Lars says.

refused asylum but the case is now referred to the Refugee Appeals Board. Now he is waiting and still got hope to get permission to stay in Denmark. “ This reallty hard process for me. Lars has supported me with many things and that means a lot to me.” says Ehsan .

Lars has been with Ehsan

WHAT IS A PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE? Volunteer representatives help the young unaccompanied minors in the course of their asylum proceedings. They become the young person’s guarantee that his or her rights will be respected during the process of seeking asylum. The representative is also an important personal support for the young person in a vulnerable situation

Lars is surprised about the number of selfies on Ehsan’s mobile, while he is scrolling through pictures to find the pictures from their trip to the summer house with Lars’ wife last year (Photo: Mila)

THERE IS A NEED FOR MORE VOLUNTEERS Volunteers make a huge difference in the unaccompanied minors’ lifes. Right now there is a need for volunteers on most of the childrens’ centers in Denmark. The type of activities that are there, or could be started, are many:

PAGE 12 | ISSUE # 102 | SUMMER 2017 | NEW TIMES

❚❚ Excursions ❚❚ Sports activities ❚❚ Outlet ❚❚ Music groups ❚❚ Craft groups ❚❚ Football ❚❚ Bike training ❚❚ … and much more

If you are interested in learning more about the possibilities of volunteering you can go to: www.rodekors.dk/bliv-frivillig

“THESE CHILDREN KNOW ABOUT STARVATION AND EXTREME THIRST” New Times has interviewed leader of the children centers in the Danish Red Cross, Caroline Madsen, about the unaccompanied minors who come to Denmark ❚❚By: Marion Chen, Mustafa & Paiwand What kind of problems do children alone experience on the journey to Europe?

Flight is about survival.

Where shall I sleep tonight, where can I find my next meal, how can I find my way, but most important, who can I trust? Many of the children who reach the Danish borders without parents have been separated from them during the journey, seen them beaten or imprisoned or, in the worse case scenario, seen them drown.

These children know about starvation, about extreme thirst, about fear and being highly stressed for many days, weeks or months. They tell stories about bombed homes in Syria, about wearing bomb-belts in Afghanistan, about military service in Eritrea or forced marriage. They tell stories from the prisons in Lebanon or the militias in Sudan.

Stories that are difficult to hear or comprehend. Stories children should never know about – and less, have experienced. But the children also tell stories of kind people and of other children who stick together and become family.

People they meet during the journey and with whom they come to share a meal, shelter and anxiety. These shared experiences of survival create strong bonds.

What are the challenges for them here without parents?

Most of all a great challenge is the constant heartache for the loss of your mother, father, brothers and sisters. The ones who, most often, have been taking care of you. The ones who have given you the answers when you feel lost and insecure. Memories of the good times can hurt, but even worse is the knowledge that close ones possibly are trapped in a warzone and face an unknown future. The most difficult thought to carry is the one of uncertainty. Are they still alive?

Some children have witnessed one or both parents killed or dragged away from home, to never return. With this knowledge, it is amazing to experience how strong and kind these

children are. They are trying so hard to manage every day, to live up to our expectations, to do the right thing, to stay positive.

Some manage this more easily than others. Insecurity is also an obstacle. What is the right thing to do? What do all the questions mean? What happens if I can’t stay? Sometimes the dream of receiving asylum or a temporary permit is difficult to bare and creates enormous pressure on the child. Maybe the parents or an uncle has sold their land or shop to pay for the ticket to Europe and the child’s safety. Hopes and expectations invested in the child can be high and often unattainable for an unaccompanied minor; travelling safely, behaving well, getting a permit to stay, educational achievement. Relating to the immediate environment of the center, the other children, school, activities become more challenging. The unaccompanied minor finds him or herself in a very different cultural context than they are used to.

Many things, learned while growing up in a certain sociocultural society, suddenly work in a different way e.g. buying a ticket and catching a bus suddenly becomes a difficult activity. Teenagers, in the middle of identity development and in motion towards adulthood find that ‘not everything is under control’. Self-esteem and selfconfidence are challenged and the pressures of adolescence are enhanced.

What kind of help do they need in the centers in their daily life?

Many strategies, which have been useful during times of war, conflict and flight, no longer are relevant in a center context.

When you are in danger it is safer to stay awake at night, when you are starving you bend your morality and when you get abused or lied to you learn mistrust. It takes time, patience and hard work to readjust. In addition to their status as asylum seekers, all need assistance with daily chores and communication with unfamiliar verbal and cultural codes. At the center the children cook, wash clothes, plan their econ-

omy, clean while maintaining appropriate behavior patterns.

When you feel confident and appreciated, accepted for who you are, you are more willing to learn, cooperate and comply. It is important to feel as part of the group – just the same as for all young people.

That is why it is important that the staff are professional and include all children.

Do they feel welcome in Denmark?

Both yes and no. After 2015, when all of Denmark watched the refugees walk on the highways, the positive attention was enormous. But there have always been positive acknowledgement and critical voices. Often, critical voices come from lack of knowledge or negative experiences. Some children are so damaged from early trauma, war experiences or years spent on the streets, that they continue to challenge the center and sometimes the local society. Just like the rest of Denmark, the loud voices of the few are more visible than the silent voices of the many.

Therefore, the interaction with the local society is so important. It builds bridges between people and contributes to a strong society built on knowledge, curiosity and interest.

There are examples of people

spontaneously helping the children in the supermarket and at the train station, but there are also examples of people calling them names in the streets, telling them to go back home.

Most problematic, I believe, are emotive and anonymous postings on social media like Facebook, where rumors start and gain momentum. Overall, I would say that unaccompanied minors find Danish people very friendly and helpful. Especially the children who do not have experience with expecting kindness from grownups, show great gratitude. Their gratefulness for a used knitted sweater and a wrapped sandwich can be overwhelming.

Do you think the Red Cross staff take the role of the children’s substitute parents?

We know we are not their parents. They do not call us mom or dad. That would be a fiction, a false comfort and potentially a situation for more loss as they all will leave the center at some point. We are not a substitute parent, but primary carers who take on responsibilities for a period of their lives. The voluntary guardian sometimes become a sort of substitute parent, as they represent only one child and sometimes follow the child further in the munici-

pality, if the child gets a permit to stay.

We have heard about cases of sexual harassment towards asylum seeking children on their journey to Europe and also incidents in Danish asylum centers.

Do you have any kind of statistics about this? And how do you prevent sexual harassment happening from volunteers or staff?

All staff members, employees and volunteers, have a clean criminal record – they give consent to be checked through the appropriate channels. We also follow guidelines designed and implemented to protect the rights of the child and are continually partaking of risk assessments where necessary.

A multidisciplinary approach is also central to our work, meaning that all adults in contact with the child are aware of these issues and indicators of abuse. Most important is to break the taboo of not talking about it. As staff, it is important that we address what we observe and experience – even when it is a difficult subject or if we are unsure. Our nurse and health worker do hear stories about sexual harassment from the journey – from both girls and boys. It can happen if the children get lost from the group they are travelling with, if they trust the wrong person or if they are imprisoned.

NEW TIMES | SUMMER 2017 | ISSUE # 102| PAGE 13

“I WANT A SHIP SO I CAN HELP CHILDREN CROSS THE SEA” "My name is Sana and I'm from Iran. I am 8 years old. I came with my dad to Denmark one and half year ago, and now we live in Holte municipality. I like Denmark and go to school everyday. I found a lot of friends in school, and I'm learning Danish now. Danish language is a bit difficult for me, especially the sounds of the consonants and vowels.

I like Denmark because people drive very slowly, and they respect children when they want to pass the street. In my country, people always drove very fast, and I was scared to pass the street or go out with my dad. I have two wishes for when I grow up. I want to buy a very big ship with sev-

eral beds inside, so I can help children who want to pass the Mediterranean sea. In my ship, they can relax and sleep.

When dad and me passed the sea, it was so scary and I was so afraid because we traveled in a small rubber boat. I would also love to become doctor and help sick children who live in the asylum center. I have asthma and know how difficult it can be to be sick.

Also, I would like to help my dad when I grow up. I can understand how many problems and difficulties my father has, but I can not help him now. I am just a child."

(As told by Sana to Danial)

“MY DREAM IS TO BECOME A POLICE OFFICER” ❚❚By: Eden 7-year-old Ali Armanuly is from Russia. He come to Denmark

PAGE 14 | ISSUE # 102 | SUMMER 2017 | NEW TIMES

in 2012. “When I arrived at the asylum center I heard a lot of different languages. That was something new for me. And I

thought ‘how will I communicate with friends by my language?’. But in the kindergarten I learned Danish very quickly“, he says.

“I also met some kids from my country and also Danish kids. So I did not feel bored. I don't feel new in Denmark. I spend my daily life playing, going to kindergarten. My parents help me to read a book and writing. And I play football. I love very much Denmark because the kids care is better than in my country. For example I like summer camp. And summer trip.”

“When I was 6 years old we moved from our asylum center in Jutland to center Sandholm.

Here it is a bit hard for me because I'm not send to Danish school. I’m going to Red Cross school. Most of the kids are not speaking Danish. They are new.

It's hard to understand each other and they are aggressive.

When I come back from school I go to mini club. Here the teachers are very good and help us and play with us.”

“But around the center there is not much kids activity. Most of the time I'm home, especially in winter time and I play with my newborn brother. My dream is to become a police officer because I have to support anyone who needs help, and bring the bad ones to prison”

DIFFICULT TO FIND DANISH FRIENDS

An honest story about the challenges and prejudices you meet as a refugee in Denmark, but with tolerance and patience you will find good friends, an Iranian refugee says is a little religious, do you have problem with that?” And I told them: "I am an atheist.”

Because of wrong information from media, people think Muslims are against other religions, but actually Muslims are the main victims of radical Islam.

❚❚By: Hamid Mukhtari Many times I have heard refugees who say: "I want to integrate into the Danish society and have contact with Danes, but it’s difficult to make friends with them." I have been in Denmark since 2014 and I have met both prejudiced Danes and I have found very good Danish friends.

FRIENDS IN LYNGBY

INTERNSHIP AT A KINDERGARTEN

The media in Denmark is quite negative about refugees and it has a lot of effect in this regard and this makes me really sad.

For example once I found an internship at a kindergarten and before I started they told me: "There is an employee from Israel here - do you have a problem with that?" And I said “of course not.”

Why should I have anything against Israel? Just because I am from the Middle East, according to the Media, I should hate Jews as a nation and Israel as a state.

But according to me, the most intelligent people in the Middle

East are actually Jews.

Do you have a problem with Christianity?

The second time I found an internship was at a Danish newspaper, and before I started they asked me: “Our newspaper

When I moved to Lyngby I was alone. But after a short time I found many Danish friends there. Personally I think that integration does not mean you throw out your own culture, language and social values.

On the contrary, integration means that all cultures can live together. It is just necessary that we as humans respect each other's culture and have tolerance.

THE LAUGHING FACE IN AUDERØD

Doda is a really lovely person, whose laugh you can hear from a far distance in the center. She helps people and supports them in many ways. ❚❚By Mustafa Doda from Croatia has been working for Red Cross in Center Auderød since 2010. She listens to them if they have problems, and she also tries to find solutions to their problems. All the time there is a smile on her face, but at the same time she is serious and strict to everyone who don’t follow the rules in the center What is your job in the center?

I'm doing the evening network. That’s just the title, but I do a lot of things during my work. All of us workers here make a lot of different kinds of jobs. I'm here for the asylum seekers and try to give them what they need.

What is your opinion about asylum centers?

It’s really nice when asylum seekers find a good, warm place and nice room to stay in. They need to feel safe, and they need to find peace.

What is the most challenging in your work?

It's the separation between your personality and your

work. Because I can’t always offer them what they need, so we need to take away our emotions away during our work.

What is your opinion about the asylum system here in Denmark?

It’s really difficult to give my opinion about this. It's not me who make the decision about the rules - it is like ‘take it or leave it’. But the system could be easier and faster because there is a lot of people who are waiting for a very long time.

affected me as person. But there is not only one special person all of the asylum seekers are the same to me.

A lovely person in asylum center Auderød (Photo: Mustafa)

Does the long waiting have psychological effect on the asylum seekers?

It depends on the person.

Some of them take it easy, but a lot of them are going to feel depressed and sad and will be feeling so down all the time.

Specially people that don't speak English or Danish.

Is there a special person that affected you because of his story, life or problems?

There are no special cases or persons, but still there is a person that came and talked to me about his problems, so he

NEW TIMES | SUMMER 2017 | ISSUE # 102| PAGE 15

If you want to know about the asylum system from first hand, meet an asylum seeker, talk to us and hear our stories we will come to your school, university, company or club

BOOK A PRESENTATION

BY AN ASYLUM SEEKER

All presentations are in English.

We are more than willing to correspond to questions from journalists - or establish contact to the right sources.

For more information send an email to: asigkbh@redcross.dk (for inquiries on Sjælland) asigmidtjylland@redcross.dk (for inquiries in Jylland) The Asylum Seekers' Information Group, is supported by the Danish Red Cross and Team New Times.

ASK A LAWYER 1 2

My boyfriend recently passed away. We had a shared case at the immigration service. I am afraid he did not answer all the questions correctly. He was depressed.

If my correct answers are not the same as my boyfriend told them, will I be rejected?

1

First it is important to underline that it is standard procedure for the Immigration Service to process cases between couples with a longer relationship under the same case. The Immigration Service will consider the information given by the asylum seekers, as well as general background information about conditions in the asylum seekers home country. As a part of the assessment the Immigration Service will consider the credibility of the asylum seeker. If the given information from you and your boyfriend is inconsistent the Immigration Service will assess whether the inconsistency should have influence on your credibility. In the credibility assessment, the Immigration Service will also look at the health situation of the asylum seeker to see if the health condition could affect the given information. So, to answer your question: There is a risk that you will be rejected, because of inconsistency between the answers from you and your

boyfriend, but it depends on the assessment of the Immigration Service.

I was recognized as a refugee by the UNHCR when I was in Turkey in 2014.

Now I am applying for asylum in Denmark. Will this document help my case here in Denmark?

2

The document will not necessarily help, but it is of relevance to your asylum case in Denmark. The Immigration Service will investigate the document as a part of their consideration of your asylum claim, but the Immigration Service will make a new assessment and decision in order to decide whether you live up to the conditions to be granted asylum in Denmark.

3

I am here in Denmark together with my mental ill brother. His case has been approved to be processed here. But I have been told I will be deported. He needs me. Can they send me and not him?

3

Assuming that this question relates to a situation where siblings are separated in Europe because of the Dublin-rules. The Dublin-Regulation determines which European Member State is responsible for processing an application

PAGE 16 | ISSUE # 102 | SUMMER 2017 | NEW TIMES

We sent your questions to the lawyers at the Danish Refugee Council. Here are their replies for asylum. The Dublin rules are very complex and it is not possible to give you a precise answer without knowing more details of yours and your brothers case and situation. Generally, the Immigration Service calls you in for an interview after you have been registered as an asylum seeker in Denmark.

Here they will assess whether your case shall be processed in Denmark or whether they will ask another member state to process your case. In this assessment they look amongst other things at your family links, and whether you have any fingerprints, in a Member State. They also assess the conditions in the country you have had your fingerprints taken. If you want to stay with your brother in Denmark, but have fingerprints in another Member State, you generally have to demonstrate that brother is dependent on your help and support or that you are dependent on him. If the Immigration Service decides to transfer you to another country you have the right to appeal the decision to the Refugees Appeas Board (Flygtningenævnet) within 7 days. The Danish Refugee Council offers free legal aid and will help you with the complaint.

4

I lived in Denmark for seven years when I was a child. Then I went home to

Afghanistan for ten years. Then I was forced to flee. I have been waiting for one year for my second interview. I have fingerprints in Hungary. I am afraid they will send me there. But I have family here in Denmark. And I speak fluent Danish. Can’t I have my case processed here in Denmark?

4

As mentioned in the previous answer it is the Dublin-Regulation that determines which European Member State that is responsible for processing an application for asylum. Unfortunately, many asylum seekers who have been registered in Hungary like yourself - have waited for a long time to find out, if they can have their cases processed here in Denmark. The situation for asylum seekers and refugees in Hungary has changed a lot over the past year, and the Danish authorities have spent a long time investigating if it is possible to return asylum seekers to Hungary or not. As far as the Danish Refugee Council is informed, the Refugee Appeals Board are expecting to make a decision about returning asylum seekers to Hungary in May, and as soon as we have any new information, we will contact those who are still waiting. You are always welcome to contact the Danish Refugee Council if you have questions about your case. We offer

DO YOU HAVE A QUESTION? WRITE TO: New Times Rosenørns Allé 31, 2. sal, 1970 Frederiksberg or email us at newtimesdk@gmail.com Please feel free to ask your questions anonymously.

YOU CAN ALSO CONTACT: Dansk Flygtningehjælp Legal Counseling Unit Asylum Department Borgergade 10 Postbox 53 1002 København K www.drc.dk Email: advice@drc.dk Free Legal Counseling for asylum seekers every Wednesday from 10:00 - 13:00 You need to present your questions in Danish or English legal counselling on the phone (33735000) in Danish and English from Monday to Thursday from 8.30 am to 4 pm and on Fridays from 8.30 am to 3 pm.