Case Study: Mr. Gabriel Marshal Nylowa Yak

Abstract

In the following case, a refugee and victim of torture, fled religious persecution in Sudan. He first arrived in Syria where he made a claim to asylum to the UNHCR. His claim was initially refused and he fled to Hong Kong. The High Commissioner ruled that Gabriel was an "irregular mover" and that his appeal could not be considered in Hong Kong. He was sent against his will, back to Syria, without any of the documentation that substantiated his claim. During the entire time that his case was being considered, it was closely followed by Amnesty International. Gabriel was ultimately successful in his appeal and was granted protection as a refugee. He was resettled in the United States, where he lives today.