Dear Sir Richard,
I am sure you have been inundated with requests for funds, following the recent devastating earthquake which hit South Asia. While I am not asking for any money, I would be grateful for a few moments of your valuable time to consider a fundraising proposal which could benefit enormously from your support and participation. You are widely recognised as an earnest philanthropist and it is with this in mind that I am approaching you, with every hope in my heart that you will hear this plea, on behalf of those affected, with your usual compassion and sympathy.
As you will be aware, the affected areas are in desperate need not only of hospitals, schools, orphanages, and housing but also of the most basic infrastructure which has been almost entirely destroyed. India, Afghanistan and Pakistan are mourning the deaths of thousands of children, many of whom died while at school. Kashmir is reported to resemble a graveyard where people have been either digging to recover bodies or digging to bury them. It is the biggest natural disaster to hit the area. The approach of an unforgiving winter makes immediate action imperative if our world is to prevent an even worse toll of insufferable misery and death.
I am a British Muslim living in Brighton and, since the earthquake, I have been working as a member of the Brighton & Hove Muslim Forum with the local community to raise money and resources to send to the region. Recently, in conjunction with BBC Southern Counties Radio, we launched a one-day radio appeal which received over 3000 blankets and approximately 50 large heavy duty domestic tents. During the day we managed to speak with Imran Khan and Yvonne Ridley, both of whom were reporting live from Pakistan. Our appeal was supported by leaders of many different faiths, which was particularly helpful. Although it was only a one day appeal, the response was overwhelming and very encouraging-an indication of the true generosity of the British public.
We know that much more can be done but we lack the ability, experience and resources to do so. Given the huge success of television fundraising programmes, for example Comic Relief and Children in Need, we believe that a major contribution to the much needed rescue and relief work could be achieved if something similar was co-ordinated in response to this disaster. We already have a blue-print from past events and today, given your involvement, a number of celebrities here in Britain and perhaps outside (such as our cricket team in Pakistan, David Beckham in Spain and many others) may be persuaded to assist in an appeal. You may also wish to ask other prominent religious leaders such as Sir Jonathan Sacks or Dr Rowan Williams, as well as Hindu and Muslim leaders, to say a few words.
Throughout the period of the appeal regular reports from the region would keep the
public aware of the desperate needs of the disaster victims, as well as the actual and potential benefits from the contributions being, and already, received. Some celebrities may offer to do small shows or sketches in between. Regular checks can be made at various areas in the country to see how the total is shaping up. Individual and team-collection stories can be aired live. I am sure that, with a little brainstorming, a host of excellent ideas may be produces to make the program productive yet entertaining.
Your own and your companies’ involvement would be invaluable in persuading the BBC or ITV to set up a telethon to raise funds. With the onset of Christmas, this is an ideal time for a predominately Christian country like ours to lead the international community in recognizing the enormity of the task facing this disaster-stricken region and to show our generosity towards those less fortunate than ourselves. This would be a remarkable gesture from a Christian country to a Muslim country, demonstrating that even with the intensity of the current political climate, peoples of different faiths can and do help each other.
We are not looking for any recognition for our organisation; we just wish to make a difference. I have no doubt that, if you agree, you would have the lasting gratitude of a whole nation and the complete support of our own public.
Kindest regards
PS: I have been encouraged to write this letter by your generous response to an appeal made by my aunt, Moira, for a donation for a charity auction following a treasure hunt in France in 1999 and again in 2001. Ever since then, my aunt has spoken repeatedly of your benevolence with enormous respect and, if you’ll forgive me, great affection. She has asked to be remembered to you.
Monday 18 June 2007
Sunday 17 June 2007
Professor Alasdair Smith, Vice Chancellor, University of Sussex.
Dear Professor Smith
It was an honour to be present at the 45th Annual Meeting of University Court.
I am proud to be associated with the Universities achievements and successes and I offer you our full support for the future.
However I would also like to take this opportunity to request that as part of the current developments that are taking place at our University, it would be very encouraging if the university confirms its commitment to the greatly needed refurbishment of the university mosque, which is in great demand and in regular daily use by our Muslim students.
Our University has a world wide reputation and the Sussex campus mosque often welcomes senior scholars from the Muslim world, not to mention a number of dignitaries from within our shores, such is its reputation. Our University continues to attract Muslim students from all over the world, many of whom I meet regularly and it is very much their wish that a commitment be made to improve the current mosque by meeting their modest religious requirements.
You may be aware that in a recent poll of Muslims, over 85% said their religion was vital, so you can understand the importance of this matter.
This will be a good opportunity for our University to reaffirm its commitment to its current and prospective Muslim students that it is more than willing to continue to meet the needs of those who study here and use the mosque facilities daily.
The last five presidents of the Islamic society of our University, going back to Kadeer Arif and later Daoud Clarke had regular meetings with the Director of Estates David Kirkwood to request the much needed improvements. Feasibility studies were offered and carried out by the university, but sadly, have not led to fruition.
In contrast, Brighton University seems far more progressive in this manner and it has committed funds to refurbish the prayer area and the washing facilities, but has also continually listened and worked towards accommodating various other important requirements and needs of its students.
The previous presidents and the current president, Kashif Jarral do acknowledge the help and essential maintenance carried out by the university, including the fixing of lights, electric sockets and recently the washing of the carpet. However, certain areas of the prayer room do require regular maintenance. The main examples of these include:
1. The carpet – this was washed recently by the university, but still appears old, dirty and gives a stale odour despite regular cleaning by the students. This is an integral part of a Muslim prayer room, as worshippers stand and prostrate on it five or more times a day. It is becoming evident that a new carpet is the only answer to solve this problem.
2. The washroom – again this is an essential part of the prayer room as worshiper perform the obligatory washing of the hands, arms, face and the feet daily before prayer. The taps have been fixed on countless occasions, but end up leaking or losing their function, resulting in another call out to the University for Maintenance. Another problem is that there is no hot water available; the taps give out very cold water, which is extremely uncomfortable to wash one’s hands, arms, face and the feet, especially during the winter months. Again it appears that it would be more efficient to replace the essential parts of the wash room – sinks and taps so that they always work, with both hot and cold water.
3. Heating – this issue has risen on a number of separate occasions with previous Islamic society committees working hard for the installation of a new heating system. Currently there are electric radiators in the building, which are very inefficient in keeping the entire building warm; it must also incur a large cost on the university’s electricity usage no doubt. An integrated heating system is the only solution to keeping the building warm in energy effective and cost efficient manner.
In conclusion it must be noted that the much needed University Mosque refurbishment is far over due. Those who regularly visit our University Mosque and this includes many non Muslims from within our University have raised to me the same concerns. Senior members present at the 45th Annual Meeting of the University Court also approached me after this meeting to air their support. The poor state of the washing facilities, the heating/ventilation problems and the basic upkeep need to be dealt with urgently, I would request if this matter can be given some serious consideration by your senior management team and budget holders responsible for maintenance. The improvements you make will only enhance the name of our University. I leave this in your capable hands.
I look forward to you reply.
Kind regards
It was an honour to be present at the 45th Annual Meeting of University Court.
I am proud to be associated with the Universities achievements and successes and I offer you our full support for the future.
However I would also like to take this opportunity to request that as part of the current developments that are taking place at our University, it would be very encouraging if the university confirms its commitment to the greatly needed refurbishment of the university mosque, which is in great demand and in regular daily use by our Muslim students.
Our University has a world wide reputation and the Sussex campus mosque often welcomes senior scholars from the Muslim world, not to mention a number of dignitaries from within our shores, such is its reputation. Our University continues to attract Muslim students from all over the world, many of whom I meet regularly and it is very much their wish that a commitment be made to improve the current mosque by meeting their modest religious requirements.
You may be aware that in a recent poll of Muslims, over 85% said their religion was vital, so you can understand the importance of this matter.
This will be a good opportunity for our University to reaffirm its commitment to its current and prospective Muslim students that it is more than willing to continue to meet the needs of those who study here and use the mosque facilities daily.
The last five presidents of the Islamic society of our University, going back to Kadeer Arif and later Daoud Clarke had regular meetings with the Director of Estates David Kirkwood to request the much needed improvements. Feasibility studies were offered and carried out by the university, but sadly, have not led to fruition.
In contrast, Brighton University seems far more progressive in this manner and it has committed funds to refurbish the prayer area and the washing facilities, but has also continually listened and worked towards accommodating various other important requirements and needs of its students.
The previous presidents and the current president, Kashif Jarral do acknowledge the help and essential maintenance carried out by the university, including the fixing of lights, electric sockets and recently the washing of the carpet. However, certain areas of the prayer room do require regular maintenance. The main examples of these include:
1. The carpet – this was washed recently by the university, but still appears old, dirty and gives a stale odour despite regular cleaning by the students. This is an integral part of a Muslim prayer room, as worshippers stand and prostrate on it five or more times a day. It is becoming evident that a new carpet is the only answer to solve this problem.
2. The washroom – again this is an essential part of the prayer room as worshiper perform the obligatory washing of the hands, arms, face and the feet daily before prayer. The taps have been fixed on countless occasions, but end up leaking or losing their function, resulting in another call out to the University for Maintenance. Another problem is that there is no hot water available; the taps give out very cold water, which is extremely uncomfortable to wash one’s hands, arms, face and the feet, especially during the winter months. Again it appears that it would be more efficient to replace the essential parts of the wash room – sinks and taps so that they always work, with both hot and cold water.
3. Heating – this issue has risen on a number of separate occasions with previous Islamic society committees working hard for the installation of a new heating system. Currently there are electric radiators in the building, which are very inefficient in keeping the entire building warm; it must also incur a large cost on the university’s electricity usage no doubt. An integrated heating system is the only solution to keeping the building warm in energy effective and cost efficient manner.
In conclusion it must be noted that the much needed University Mosque refurbishment is far over due. Those who regularly visit our University Mosque and this includes many non Muslims from within our University have raised to me the same concerns. Senior members present at the 45th Annual Meeting of the University Court also approached me after this meeting to air their support. The poor state of the washing facilities, the heating/ventilation problems and the basic upkeep need to be dealt with urgently, I would request if this matter can be given some serious consideration by your senior management team and budget holders responsible for maintenance. The improvements you make will only enhance the name of our University. I leave this in your capable hands.
I look forward to you reply.
Kind regards
Friday 15 June 2007
Guantanamo Bay and Omar Deghayes, a letter to Mr Gordon Brown
Rt Hon Gordon Brown MP
Prime Minister in waiting
It might be fair to say that we, in Britain, have traditionally defended the weak and the destitute. We could claim to have contributed to the establishment of human rights systems to protect those who are oppressed, ill-treated, tortured and forgotten. In keeping with our responsibilities towards our fellow man, we have provided a save haven for many whose only crime has been to speak their truth and stand up for justice.
In 1986, the British government demonstrated this will to offer refuge to those in danger elsewhere, following the assassination of Libyan lawyer and a prominent trade unionist, Mr Deghayes in Libya. The family of Mr Deghayes, including his son Omar, was settled in the UK where they were granted political asylum. In 1987 Omar was given refugee status and his family became British citizens. Omar Deghayes grew up in Brighton and studied law in a British university. His ambition is to be a human rights lawyer.
After finishing his Law studies in 2001, Omar and his friends traveled to Malaysia, Pakistan and then on to Afghanistan. In Afghanistan, Omar was married and his wife later had a son, Suleiman, who is now five years old.
When hostilities broke in October 2001, Omar feared for his family's safety and moved them to Pakistan on his way back to Britain. However, in Pakistan, Omar and his family were arrested and handed over to the US authorities, reportedly for a bounty of US$5,000. Although his wife and son were released, he was taken to US-run prison at Bagram, a place which Omar likened to the Nazi prison camps he had seen in films. He was later transferred to Camp X Ray at Guantanamo Bay where he remains to this day. Omar is one of eight British men currently in Guantanamo. Even though expert evidence has exonerated him by stating that this is a genuine case of mistaken identity (Omar was not the man they were looking for by a startling turn of events, the original suspect has actually now passed away) he is still there. His wife is without her husband, his son without his father.
Omar's case has never been brought to trial and while imprisoned he has repeatedly suffered cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment and sometimes torture. Currently and unfortunately we are one of four governments involved in his detention, and we need not be. His detention has resulted in him being denied justice for over five years.
On one occasion, Omar was repeatedly pepper-sprayed in the eyes and face, and a guard forced his finger into one of Omar’s eyes, leaving him blind in that eye. At other times, a jet of high pressure water was sprayed up his nose until he thought he would suffocate. Omar was kept in solitary confinement for over eight months and on the 9th and 11th of September 2004 he was interrogated by Libyan intelligence agents who threatened him with violence and death. In addition, British intelligence agents are reported to have interrogated Omar Deghayes up to seven times while in Bagram and Guantanamo.
Despite the fact that Omar has lived and grown up in the UK, and established many ties, it seems that our government is refusing to get involved or to help and has denied all responsibility for Omar Deghayes, claiming that, as a refugee, he is technically not a British citizen and, therefore, not within its jurisdiction. Our government, quite simply, wiped its hands of him.
When you were in Brighton recently, you kindly agreed to look into this matter.
I am writing to you now to ask that our government make representations on behalf of Omar Deghayes as a British resident with refugee status, and ensure that his family are kept fully informed of his legal status and welfare. We must stand up for justice and show the world that we do not ignore our responsibilities. I also ask for the allegations of torture and ill-treatment that Omar has suffered while in US custody to be raised with the US authorities. Our government must do all that is can to make sure that Omar Deghayes is not transferred to a country where he will face further torture and ill-treatment.
Our history shows that Britain has always supported the oppressed, and we must continue to do so. This is clearly the case with Omar. No one else can help but our own government. Furthermore, please seek assurance from the US authorities that Omar Deghayes is returned to the UK. The US should either release him or charge him with a recognizably criminal offence and give him a full and fair trial, ensuring that evidence gained through torture is not used against him. The US is potentially one of the most important countries in the fight for world peace. It is the one nation that has the economic and political power to put pressure on countries and regimes which are guilty of abuse. The US could make itself the most beloved nation worldwide if only it would step into this role and help safeguard the needy.
It was not long ago when we offered Omar and his family a lifeline from the difficulties they faced in Libya. Today, when he needs us more then ever, let us not turn our back on him.
We ask you as our Prime Minister in waiting to seek justice for him and have him removed from the sentence he is serving for a crime he did not commit.
Yours Sincerely,
Prime Minister in waiting
It might be fair to say that we, in Britain, have traditionally defended the weak and the destitute. We could claim to have contributed to the establishment of human rights systems to protect those who are oppressed, ill-treated, tortured and forgotten. In keeping with our responsibilities towards our fellow man, we have provided a save haven for many whose only crime has been to speak their truth and stand up for justice.
In 1986, the British government demonstrated this will to offer refuge to those in danger elsewhere, following the assassination of Libyan lawyer and a prominent trade unionist, Mr Deghayes in Libya. The family of Mr Deghayes, including his son Omar, was settled in the UK where they were granted political asylum. In 1987 Omar was given refugee status and his family became British citizens. Omar Deghayes grew up in Brighton and studied law in a British university. His ambition is to be a human rights lawyer.
After finishing his Law studies in 2001, Omar and his friends traveled to Malaysia, Pakistan and then on to Afghanistan. In Afghanistan, Omar was married and his wife later had a son, Suleiman, who is now five years old.
When hostilities broke in October 2001, Omar feared for his family's safety and moved them to Pakistan on his way back to Britain. However, in Pakistan, Omar and his family were arrested and handed over to the US authorities, reportedly for a bounty of US$5,000. Although his wife and son were released, he was taken to US-run prison at Bagram, a place which Omar likened to the Nazi prison camps he had seen in films. He was later transferred to Camp X Ray at Guantanamo Bay where he remains to this day. Omar is one of eight British men currently in Guantanamo. Even though expert evidence has exonerated him by stating that this is a genuine case of mistaken identity (Omar was not the man they were looking for by a startling turn of events, the original suspect has actually now passed away) he is still there. His wife is without her husband, his son without his father.
Omar's case has never been brought to trial and while imprisoned he has repeatedly suffered cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment and sometimes torture. Currently and unfortunately we are one of four governments involved in his detention, and we need not be. His detention has resulted in him being denied justice for over five years.
On one occasion, Omar was repeatedly pepper-sprayed in the eyes and face, and a guard forced his finger into one of Omar’s eyes, leaving him blind in that eye. At other times, a jet of high pressure water was sprayed up his nose until he thought he would suffocate. Omar was kept in solitary confinement for over eight months and on the 9th and 11th of September 2004 he was interrogated by Libyan intelligence agents who threatened him with violence and death. In addition, British intelligence agents are reported to have interrogated Omar Deghayes up to seven times while in Bagram and Guantanamo.
Despite the fact that Omar has lived and grown up in the UK, and established many ties, it seems that our government is refusing to get involved or to help and has denied all responsibility for Omar Deghayes, claiming that, as a refugee, he is technically not a British citizen and, therefore, not within its jurisdiction. Our government, quite simply, wiped its hands of him.
When you were in Brighton recently, you kindly agreed to look into this matter.
I am writing to you now to ask that our government make representations on behalf of Omar Deghayes as a British resident with refugee status, and ensure that his family are kept fully informed of his legal status and welfare. We must stand up for justice and show the world that we do not ignore our responsibilities. I also ask for the allegations of torture and ill-treatment that Omar has suffered while in US custody to be raised with the US authorities. Our government must do all that is can to make sure that Omar Deghayes is not transferred to a country where he will face further torture and ill-treatment.
Our history shows that Britain has always supported the oppressed, and we must continue to do so. This is clearly the case with Omar. No one else can help but our own government. Furthermore, please seek assurance from the US authorities that Omar Deghayes is returned to the UK. The US should either release him or charge him with a recognizably criminal offence and give him a full and fair trial, ensuring that evidence gained through torture is not used against him. The US is potentially one of the most important countries in the fight for world peace. It is the one nation that has the economic and political power to put pressure on countries and regimes which are guilty of abuse. The US could make itself the most beloved nation worldwide if only it would step into this role and help safeguard the needy.
It was not long ago when we offered Omar and his family a lifeline from the difficulties they faced in Libya. Today, when he needs us more then ever, let us not turn our back on him.
We ask you as our Prime Minister in waiting to seek justice for him and have him removed from the sentence he is serving for a crime he did not commit.
Yours Sincerely,
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)