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Letter From the Commission

 Senator Amanda Vanstone

Dear Senator Vanstone

I write on behalf of Miss Kibre Mammo Kebede who has been ordered to provide proof by March 15 of her purchase of an airline  ticket to return to Ethiopia.

Our Commission has been provided with the details of her case and would be very concerned about her safety if she were forced to return to Ethiopia.

It is clear that Miss Kebede has been the victim of appalling sexual abuse in Ethiopia.  Reliable medical and psychological reports indicate this.  We also believe she has a reasonable fear of further abuse and ostracism if she returns.

In the light of her cultural background, we understand Miss Kebede’s reluctance to provide information about her horrible ordeal until more recently and feel that you have not had the opportunity to consider her situation fully.

We strongly believe that it would be a gross injustice to expose her to the real possibility of further physical and psychological torment by forcing her to return to Ethiopia.

We appeal to you to show her compassion by intervening urgently in her case and providing her with protection.  Please give this young woman peace of mind by assuring her that she will not face again the horrible abuse she experienced in Ethiopia.

Yours sincerely

Executive Officer

Please write to the Minister as soon as possible and pass this information onto others you know.  The more people who write to the Minister, the more likely it is that she will re-consider the decision to  deport Kibre.