Dorset Echo
Fri, 25 August 2023
The Bibby Stockholm barge (Image: PA)
Dear Madam/Sir,
We, as a group of 39 asylum seekers from different countries, are writing to describe and explain our concern regarding the current situation.
We are writing to explain that we were running from persecution, imprisonment and harsh tortures, with hearts full of fears and hope from the countries we were born in, to find safety and freedom in your country and our new refuge.
It is hard to Imagine that we, who used to live under harsh tortures and danger of persecution in our country, have been forced to leave our homes, our jobs and our families, and some of us haven't seen our families for months.
This abandonment and separation from our family has been bitter and painful, and has been accompanied day by day with anxiety and nervous stresses and only a combination of hope and fear remains within us.
We arrived in Britain with the hope of a better future and, at the very least, some mental peace away from worries and past stresses.
For about 6 months, or for some individuals, a year, we have experienced unemployment without income, the ability to study, or basic rights.
Despite all the hardships and discomforts of life in temporary hotels, we were informed that we would be moved from one place to another: the Barge "Bibby Stockholm."
A harsh tragedy that requires no explanation from your knowledge.
We were contacted by support organisations and lawyers and the recommendations given to us not to go on the Barge, unconsciously, this mindset has arisen for all of us that they intend to take us to an unsafe, frightening, and isolated place.
Because we are law-abiding individuals and wish to be recognized as responsible and good citizens in society, we decided to accept the authorities' decision and, despite all the stress and disappointments, act according to the written directive from the Home Office.
In doing so, our first priority was to respect the government's decisions and follow the laws.
Therefore, without the slightest protest, we boarded the ship.
Even though we felt that the ship was largely a place for troublemakers and lawbreakers. But as individuals who want to adhere to laws and civic values, we accepted this decision.
This decision was very difficult, and we accepted it courageously and without the smallest objection.
But how can one imagine to what extent we will move forward in this unknown darkness?
Given that the government had repeatedly been warned about various dangers and disasters, stating that if they continued with their plans, those inside the ship would be endangered.
After days of fear, disappointment, and stress, the appointed day finally arrived, and under the heavy media pressure, we were transferred to our place of exile by "Home Office" buses.
A confined and floating space on the water with strict security regulations, while none of us were criminals or had committed any wrongdoings, and we had no access to the city and normal life.
Small rooms and a terrifying residence.
When we entered the ship, it felt as if we were entering a world full of new anxieties and fears.
On one hand, the fear of facing the questions of journalists prevented us from leaving the ship, and on the other hand, no one knew what awaited us in terms of our physical and mental health, even the compassionate messages and sympathetic looks of friends had become unbearable for us.
During the few days of staying on the ship, we experienced very difficult conditions. Fear of the future, concern about the new country's situation, and the possibility of disease spreading in confined environments were among the issues we faced.
The lack of sufficient information about our situation and future caused doubt and uncertainty. Stress and anxiety were evident in all of us, and we had no plans for the future.
During our stay on the barge, we were informed of concerning incidents: some people on board had fallen ill, but strangely, the official permission to release this news was not given.
Also, in a tragic incident, one of the asylum seekers attempted suicide, but we acted promptly and prevented this unfortunate event. Considering the ongoing difficulties, it's not unexpected that we might face a repeat of such situations in the future. Some friends even said they wished they had the courage to commit suicide, and our personal belief is that many of these individuals might resort to this foolishness to escape from problems in the future.
These events indicate the tensions and problems we have faced in these difficult conditions and emphasise the greater importance of our mental and physical well-being in these environments.
On the morning of August 11th, news spread about the presence of an epidemic on the ship.
Some of us displayed symptoms of Legionella disease, but no one responded to us, the Home Office did not contact us, and everyone was in shock and fear.
In the afternoon of that day, as the last individuals to learn about this problem, we were informed that we would temporarily be moved to a new location, so that the ship's conditions could be reevaluated. We were compelled to comply with this request.
Currently, we are staying in an old and abandoned hotel. The sense of isolation and loneliness has taken over us, and psychological and emotional pressures have increased significantly. We even lack the desire to live and perform any tasks. The absence of tranquillity, comfort, and basic needs has become our daily concerns. Striving for a freedom that is deteriorating in these exhausting conditions.
With hope for your understanding and attention, we have expressed all the mentioned matters in this letter. We kindly request that you consider our situation as a priority and support us through the necessary guidance and assistance during these difficult times. We are individuals who are tired of the challenges that have arisen and no longer have the strength to face them.
Even the presence in religious places, which were the only source of solace, warmth, and acquaintance with kind and sympathetic individuals for us, has become confusing due to these numerous relocations.
Now, we seek refuge in you and hope to walk alongside you on this path with your support and unity. We believe that with our joint effort, we can overcome these unfavourable conditions and achieve the peaceful and secure life that we aspire to.
Respectfully and hopefully, The 39 refugees who were placed on the Bibby Stockholm
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