Zimbabwe refugee Lonnie reunited with her family

The British Red Cross has helped a woman who fled persecution in Zimbabwe, who has now been reunited with her family after more than a year apart.

On 4 July 2008, Lonnie welcomed her husband and two sons off a flight at Heathrow airport after they won the right to live in the UK. Lonnie said: “Words can’t describe how good it is to be with my family again. But I am still angry about the situation in my country. Many people in Zimbabwe are vulnerable to brutal harassment with no way to report what is happening.”

Fleeing persecution

“Many phones have been cut off in Zimbabwe and communications are difficult," Lonnie explained. “Messages from the opposing political party are sometimes communicated through schools with teachers passing messages to their students, who pass them on to their parents. This was how a government referendum was defeated in 2000.

“My husband David* is a civil servant and he was accused of influencing people. He was frequently detained and as a result of torture he lost his vision. I was also targeted with threats and intimidation. In March 2007, I attended a political rally where, along with 50 other people, I was badly assaulted by the police.

“When your salary is so little and it’s a struggle to live you have no choice but to become politically active. But one day three members of my department did not reach home and I realised I needed to leave the country before it was too late. I still don’t know what happened to my colleagues.”

Red Cross support

When Lonnie first arrived in the UK, specially trained Red Cross staff helped her access services and supported her as she applied for asylum.

Development and diversity manager Carol Leeds said: “You just cannot imagine what Lonnie has been through. She fled her country and left behind her family, home and possessions.

“She has been through so much and it’s been an agonising wait for a decision on her situation, all the while worrying about the safety of her loved ones back home. It is absolutely fantastic that she has been reunited with her family. These are the happy endings that make my job so worthwhile.”

Giving back

In September, Lonnie is going to start training as a nurse, specialising in mental health. She has also attended several Red Cross workshops and is now volunteering, working with refugees and doing first aid.
 
Lonnie said: “When I’m asked if things become better back home would I return, I explain it’s my duty to give back to the country that has saved me from that life. I want to show my thanks to everyone who helped by staying here and doing what I can to help others. I will always go the extra mile for anyone in the Red Cross.

“I am in a comfort zone here that I never dreamed was possible when I was back in Zimbabwe, but I am one of the lucky ones. Many are still suffering. People are even living in the forests because they are too scared to be in their homes. I believe the international community is doing their best to help and we appreciate it. Without them things would be worse.”

*Names have been changed to protect identities

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