Urgent Appeal to UN Post Shelter Demolition

Subsequent to the Police and Municipality’s razing of my seventh shelter adjacent to the UNHCR premises on April 23rd, 2024—lacking judicial authorization—and my ensuing correspondence with the UNHCR, the entity's communique dated April 30th revealed their complicity in such actions.

Their correspondence once again ignored my prolonged captivity in Greece, despite having informed them of a decade’s effort in contacting 83 organizations for assistance—a fact that the agency overlooked, insisting on my continued imprisonment in Greece and redundantly advising me to reach out to those same organizations.

Notably, post the demolition, numerous organizations convened with UNHCR twice before their correspondence to me on April 30th, 2024. Despite being fully aware of my plight through direct observation not only during these meetings but also since the initiation of my protest outside the UNHCR office on March 21st, 2017, their lack of support suggests potential collusion. This could imply that the UNHCR’s correspondence was composed post-consultation with these groups, possibly signaling a joint effort to obscure my critical situation, in alignment with Greece’s political objectives concerning Refugees, even at the expense of lives.

In my same-day response to their letter, I penned the ensuing:

Dear UNHCR Greece;

In response to your communication Great/HCR/135 received this evening, I reiterate the issues previously outlined in my correspondence dated September 12th, 2022, and in all subsequent follow-ups. I maintain that I have been unduly held hostage by Greece, a circumstance that stemmed largely from the transmission of deceptive and deficient information communicated to me in the year 2014, culminating in my precipitous and groundless deportation from Sweden in September 2015.

Contrary to UNHCR’s claims, official Ministerial and Embassy records clearly mandate UNHCR referrals for resettlement application consideration, highlighting a pivotal responsibility to refugees that transcends borders and raises serious questions about the deliberate nature of my 2014 misguidance in Greece and the potential complicity of parties beyond Greece and UNHCR.

UNHCR is aware of my detailed ten-year persistence in seeking assistance from 83 organizations within the country, with documented communications highlighted for your attention. Your blanket disregard for these established facts—or referring me back to the Municipality—the very entity responsible for demolishing my seventh shelter and a known source of persistent adversities at their center—is entirely imprudent and irresponsible. This must end.

It is evident that the provision of basic needs is being leveraged in Greece as a tool in furtherance of pernicious political objectives, reflecting the broader adversities faced by Refugees in this country.

Accordingly, I respectfully resubmit my request for an immediate resolution, which may include a resettlement referral, coordination of my transfer to an alternative UNHCR office regionally or globally, the assignment of my case to a capable and impartial authority for an expedited resolution, should secret agreements prevent your assistance, or the issuance of detailed communication directing me to re-approach certain nations (e.g., Canada, U.S., Australia) for direct appraisal of my asylum appeal absent UNHCR intervention.

Please note that currently, my sit-in protest outside the UNHCR office continues on the dirty pavement without shelter, food, or water—essentials for survival. This, compounded by the harsh weather, with swirling dust and debris in the wind, coupled with persistent traffic noise, and encroaching insects such as ants and spiders, has made rest and sleep unattainable.

I remain available should you necessitate any additional information.

Your Respectfully;

UNHCR is yet to reply to this correspondence. Nevertheless, given that their prior letter was issued in the year 2018, despite my regular inquiries and my ongoing vigil outside their premises in extreme conditions—all of which are well-documented and publicly accessible—it remains uncertain when I will receive a response that adequately addresses my concerns, or whether I will survive to receive it, considering the persistent forced starvation which has further intensified following the demolition of my seventh shelter.

This is the very same organization that overlooked my two years of persistent appeals for aid amid a decade-long exile in Southern Kurdistan—Northern Iraq—where local authorities and two political factions—the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) and the Democratic Party of Iranian Kurdistan (PDKI)—influenced by Iran’s rogue regime, intensified their hostile actions, endangering my life and ultimately expelling me from the region, the effects of which still persist. Had the UNHCR intervened then, the ensuing events could have been easily averted. Yet, after a decade of continual pleas in Greece, their inaction persists, seemingly endorsing the destruction of the lives of those they are meant to protect.

The neglect in Southern Kurdistan led to a reliance on traffickers who committed theft and fraud, and who possibly conspired in a perilous crossing of the Aegean Sea via an overloaded raft, endangering my life and the lives of 30-40 others. Given the surveillance of my communications by those complicit in my life’s destabilization, their involvement in this scheme seems plausible.

Additionally, re-engaging with the UNHCR in Greece for dependable guidance to judiciously consider exiting Greece without resorting to human traffickers has only been detrimental. Similarly, during my 2015 ordeal in Italy, I encountered a week-long mockery, being shuttled between the Canadian Embassy and the UNHCR, with each insisting on a non-forthcoming letter from the other, followed by my departure to Calais, France, and eventual arrival in Sweden in June, where my pleas for help were ignored as I faced the threat of undeserved deportation back to Greece.

In the absence of legal aid, my right to appeal was also denied and any attempt threatened with an entry ban, jeopardizing my chances of securing refuge elsewhere in Europe. Consequently, I was deported in September 2015 on the basis of Dublin Regulations, notwithstanding their suspension for Greece and concurrent opening of the border for Asylum seekers’ departure from the country.

Subsequent to my unlawful deportation to Greece, rather than rectifying my plight, the UNHCR participated in the criminalization and concealment of my case, alongside Greek captors. They have even manipulated basic necessities like nourishment and hydration in their efforts to induce my eventual demise through starvation—thus evading any obligation to help a Refugee who has been persistently pleading for their assistance since 2012.

This is when the top echelons of the organization, both in Greece and at the Geneva headquarters—including their High Commissioner, Filippo Grandi, and his deputy—have been notified of my predicaments with repeated requests for their intervention, as the recent enclosed communication demonstrates. Despite my continued efforts and emails since 2015, detailing my prolonged captivity in Greece, neither Grandi nor his deputy has ever acknowledged my outreach, let alone taken action to remedy my circumstances. This blatant disregard suggests that UNHCR may have been implicated in past disruptions of my life in Southern Kurdistan and continues to act on those past schemes, instead of assisting me in securing a lasting and viable resolution for my life.

The hypothesis is further supported by the emergence of a cooperative semi-outpost established by Kurds, Iranians in collaboration with my Greek captors, situated diagonally across from my location since 2021, subsequent to a series of sabotage activities the preceding year that impeded a potential resolution to my plight. Lacking alternatives to power my devices, I am compelled to visit daily, receiving often fragmented and intimidating communications in three segments, delivered individually by Iranians and Kurds on-site, and Greeks off-site, under varied circumstances. Additionally, menacing messages from individuals of these ethnicities, predominantly Kurds—occasionally masquerade as others—persist via platforms such as Facebook, WhatsApp, Telegram, and LinkedIn.

Furthermore, evidence suggests possible Kurdish involvement in my unwarranted 2015 expulsion from Sweden, aiming for my eventual deportation to the Middle East to conclude their longstanding vendetta, as implied by a Kurdish proxy’s threat, “We won’t leave you to the end.” Their historical pattern of sabotage implies a threatening end. Suspiciously, preceding my deportation decision by a week in 2015, a suspected Kurdish spy contacted me through Facebook, and later through WhatsApp in 2020 when my case briefly garnered attention.

The Swedish Migration Agency officer assigned to my case, “Nisrin Shiek Khalil”, whose name could indicate Kurdish descent, might have ties to the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), which may have influenced her decision-making on my case. Despite my efforts, the Swedish Migration Agency has not confirmed her identity or addressed the potential bias in my deportation proceedings.

My correspondence to the UNHCR High Commissioner and the Deputy:

Esteemed United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Mr. Filippo Grandi, and the respected Deputy High Commissioner, Ms. Kelly T. Clements,

In accordance with my previous correspondence dated September 12th, 2022, my subsequent engagements with UNHCR in Greece, and your awareness of my ongoing plight—exacerbated by the destruction of my seventh shelter on April 23rd, 2024, as detailed in my LinkedIn article here, with UNHCR’s letter dated April 30th, 2024, ref. GRE/HCR/135, I seek your urgent intervention to resolve my ongoing state of captivity and complete deprivation in Greece.

I must emphasize that I am devoid of sustenance outside the UNHCR premises, lacking assistance from humanitarian organizations and the public. Given my sustained Hunger Strikes, ongoing forced starvation since 2020, and my health and physique’s decline, it is imperative for the UNHCR to ensure daily provision of food, sourced as their own, pending a resolution to my grave circumstance.

Included in the provided Google Drive folder for your convenient reference are my previous communications, the referenced UNHCR letter, and photographs depicting my current circumstances outside this UN agency.

Further Insight into the nuances of my predicament can be found through my additional articles on LinkedIn, all available through the subsequent link.

I am available for any additional information required. Please inform me if I should expect your assistance or prepare for adverse outcomes, including potential starvation, in the imminent future.

Yours Respectfully,

I have additionally re-escalated my issue to UN Secretary-General António Guterres’s office, informing them of my ongoing situation on May 02nd, 2024. Nevertheless, similar to the UNHCR Geneva, they have yet to acknowledge my communications.

Even my phone calls to the High Commissioner’s office over the years, prior to my current dire financial situation, were futile, as the Switchboard always offered weak excuses and failed to connect me, nor did they follow-up. Similarly, the UN Secretary-General’s office assigned me a contact in the UNHCR New York office, who after a single response, neither returned my calls nor answered further attempts to communicate.

This is when, subsequent to the destruction of my seventh shelter outside the UNHCR office in Greece on April 23rd, 2024, my circumstances have markedly worsened, necessitating immediate intervention for an effective resolution. Post-demolition, sustenance has been exceedingly scarce, with a minor provision of food received from a receptionist on April 27th, 2024, depleted by the following day, and merely a single piece of bread from the identical individual on May 02nd, 2024. My daily plight is akin to enduring a famine-like situation within a beleaguered war zone, devoid of assistance from either organizations or individuals.

Although after presenting concerns to the UNHCR Inspector General’s office on May 08th, 2024—enclosed for reference—I reiterated my request for survival needs at the UNHCR Greek office in person via reception, their only advice was to send an email. Consequently, I forwarded my previous email to the Inspector General with a brief message. Nonetheless, their response, issued after two days, consisted merely of reiterated unfounded accusations and impractical solutions that continued to press for my captivity in Greece, despite my disinterest in seeking Asylum in this country.

This was followed by a rain-soaked morning on May 10th, 2024, which disturbed my sleep and necessitated the relocation of my belongings to a covered area adjacent to the building to avoid the rain. Whereupon, the receptionist promptly demanded their removal, leading to unnecessary police intervention who under threat of arrest insisted that I move my items onto the still-wet pavement, despite the likelihood of further rain and the need for a thorough cleaning of the surface, including washing away dust, debris, and leaves. It was only after I insisted on waiting for the pavement to dry that the Police relented, leaving with a cautionary note of potential arrest upon their return.

The current situation further underscores the possibility of UNHCR’s involvement in the destruction of my seventh shelter, perhaps as late retribution for my previous ignored communications earlier this year in January and February. If not, UNHCR’s lack of action remains inexplicable unless their goal is to endanger my life discreetly without addressing the underlying issues. The significance of a small tent to their response, or the lack thereof, to resolve the situation requiring its demolition also warrants explanation. This incident follows six previous demolitions, with two instances in 2020 and 2021 where I was left unsheltered for a prolonged period. What steps, if any, has UNHCR taken to address these past events?

Correspondence addressed to the UN Secretary-General:

Esteemed United Nations Secretary-General, Mr. António Guterres;

I must urgently draw your attention once again to my continued predicament in Greece, seeking immediate assistance for resolution. Enclosed is evidence of my plea for direct intervention made earlier today to the High Commissioner for Refugees, Mr. Filippo Grandi, and his Deputy, Ms. Kelly T. Clements. Given the serious nature of my circumstances, I require a swift solution. After more than a decade of correspondence, I find it difficult to accept that your organization cannot address this situation, which should not be overly complicated.

I request confirmation of your support and also urge the General Assembly’s third committee, included in this correspondence, for their immediate assistance.

Yours Respectfully;

Correspondence addressed to UNHCR Inspector General:?

Esteemed Inspector General of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR);

Subsequent to my prior communication with Commissioner Filippo Grandi and Deputy Kelly T. Clements on May 02nd, 2024, to which you were privy, I must once again underscore the urgency of my request for daily provisions of food and water outside the UNHCR premises in Athens, Greece. Supplies should be sourced from the same vendors—the local restaurant and supermarket—from which UNHCR procures. This delivery should cover all days of the week without exception.

My state is critical, with only a meager sustenance offered by a receptionist on April 27th—depleted the next day—leaving me without food since. Given the UNHCR’s ten-year neglect of my case, I implore the agency to uphold their mandated responsibilities and ensure my survival requirements are met continuously until a resolution of my situation is attained.

Additionally, I necessitate reliable access to a facility for showering and laundry needs.

I am available for any additional information you might need.

Please confirm receipt of this complaint.

Yours Respectfully;

Although I lodged an additional complaint with the Greek Ombudsman on May 08th, 2024, concerning the destruction of my seventh shelter, wherein I reiterated my calls for an end to my prolonged captivity in Greece and requested just compensation for the lost belongings due to its recent demolition, the anticipation of their inaction—as inferred from their silence on prior demolitions—casts doubts on the attainment of justice. This predicament persists irrespective of the nature of the transgressions against me, whether it be police brutality, confiscation, or vandalism of my property, or the recent illegal seizure of my shelter and belongings without judicial authorization.

Additionally, despite my repeated pleas to the police, most recently on May 10th, 2024, for intervention with the relevant Greek authorities to address my prolonged captivity and deprivation in Greece, their silence persists—contrasting sharply with the usual prompt responses and statements issued regarding Greek-Turkish border issues.

In short, they demolished my shelter again and mockingly directed me to revisit the Municipality’s Day Center for sustenance, despite persistent adversities encountered there, along with a church, akin to one where I had unfavorable experiences during the New Year’s holidays, that included poor-quality food and discourteous staff, disregarding the impracticality of daily three-hour commutes to those locations both due to safety issues if my belongings left unattended outside the UNHCR office and the burdensome nature of transporting my heavy belongings with each journey, thus virtually immobilizing and plunging me back into acute daily starvation again as endured since 2020 that was only somewhat abated in recent months prior to this latest demolition.

Included herein is a video of the events from May 04th to May 10th, 2024, which transpired on the dirty pavement amid dust and inclement weather, without sustenance. This sequence of events led to a police warning issued on May 10th, 2024, for taking refuge under the covered area adjacent to the UNHCR building to escape the rain.

Conclusions:

Amidst the formidable challenges that have beset my life in Greece throughout the previous ten years, I humbly implore any institutions, corporations, entities, or generous individuals graced with substantial financial resources to lend serious consideration to my plight and contemplate supporting my Fundraising endeavor as outlined. Your altruistic donation would greatly assist in mitigating the ongoing adversities I strive to surmount.

“Donate now to support a Refugee directly.”

All donations, regardless of size, can significantly impact change. Your sustained financial support is deeply valued.

Additionally, it is essential to expedite the initiative’s progress by disseminating key information via platforms like social media, email, and SMS. Your commitment to fostering participation in this commendable endeavor is deeply appreciated.

Moreover, your support for my online petition through an endorsement and assistance in its broader distribution would be greatly beneficial to the initiative’s success.

Sign the Petition here.

Should you deem yourself adequately prepared to contribute to the furtherance of this noble cause, your participation would be emblematic of solidarity amidst the inequitable battle for justice and liberty that I have tenaciously encountered over the preceding ten years.

Moreover, in light of the ongoing adverse occurrences unfolding in Greece, I urge all media representatives to consider a joint effort to bring this issue to the public's attention, thus defending core legal and ethical principles against harmful narratives.

In conclusion, I extend my heartfelt thanks and earnestly request your careful consideration and decision on this urgent matter, hoping it will greatly benefit our shared human society.

Your immediate action is required.

Hostage of Europe / Anwar Nillufary

Published: Monday, May 13th, 2024

• Also Read:

1. Seventh Shelter Demolished at UNHCR Doorstep here.
2. UNHCR Silent on Repeated Shelter Demolitions here.