On 9 July, the peace agreement between Ethiopia and Eritrea led to the reopening of flight connections between both countries after two decades.
Already we have heard many stories of those who have tracked down lost relatives after years of separation resulting from displacement and upheaval.
In early September, the case for reunification was made by Thangam Debbonaire, Labour MP for Bristol West and chair of the APPG on refugees.
Debbonaire told the story of Aster, who was forced to leave Eritrea after being persecuted for her religion. She arrived in the UK in 2016, but was separated from her three children, who she has not seen for eight years. Her two sons are now over the age of 18, and her daughter is at risk of being conscripted into the Eritrean military.
She attempted to gather British people’s support overthe project of a bill that “would give children refugees in the UK the right to bring family members via family reunion, allowed by the vast majority of other European countries.” The bill would expand the definition of family so young people who have turned 18 and elderly parents can live with their families in the UK, and would reintroduce legal aid.”
