Catherine Stihler, Scottish Labour MEP

Rima Andmariam is a seventeen year old Eritrean citizen.

Rima and her family are Pentecostal Christians, a faith which is 'illegal' to practise in Eritrea.  Rima fled Eritrea for Italy after her family were interrogated and victimised by the Eritrean government.  The whereabouts of her father are unknown after he was arrested.

Whilst in Italy, Rima suffered more abuse and neglect.  She was left to fend for herself.  In 2008 Rima managed to flee again.  This time she was dispersed to Cardiff, where she was treated quite rightly as a vulnerable child.  Unfortunately the Age Assessment that Social Services conducted concluded that she was around 20, and therefore not a minor.  Rima ended up trawling the streets for months, desperate and homeless.

In March 2009, settled into the family home of a lovely couple: Robert and Alison.  She is well looked after and has formed strong relationships with her new guardians and friends.

Unfortunately, under the Dublin Regulation, Rima may be deported back to Italy.  A Court of Appeal ruled Italy to be a safe country and deemed it appropriate to disperse Rima once more.  Her situation is very precarious and there is a real danger that she will not cope in Italy on her own.

Please do all you can to help Rima.  You can sign up to to the Justice for Rima Andmariam facebook page and sign the petition.

Many thanks,

Catherine