Name: Ibrar Hussain

Profile: Hazara refugee from Afghanistan, living in Indonesia.

Advantages: UN-certified, good English skills

Risk: At risk of being killed if returned home.

Canadian contact: Stephen Watt

Ibrar Hussain was a child when his family fled to Quetta, Pakistan to live peacefully, but the persecution of Hazara people began there as well, and like many other Hazara people, Ibrar’s father was disappeared. When his family saw the situation was getting worse in Quetta, they sent Ibrar to Indonesia by boat in 2014.

While living in limbo, Ibrar has continued his exercise to stay positive and avoid depression. He hopes to find five Canadian friends who can help him start his life again.

His Story

Ibrar Hussain was born on January 1, 1997 in Day Chopan district of Zabul province in Afghanistan.

The Hazara people of the region have long been targets of persecution and massacres because of their culture, religion, and love for education.

Like many other Hazaras, Ibrar’s family fled to Quetta, Pakistan when he was a child.

He spent his childhood in extreme poverty. His father decided to go to Iran illegally and work there to support his family. While being on his way to Iran, he got missing, and then Ibrar had the responsibility of his family.

“I was young and not ready to believe that my father was no more among us, and I had to support my family.”

He became a shopkeeper. After a period of time, his sister’s drug-addicted husband disappeared, then he had to support his sister with her child as well.

The Terrifying Situation in Quetta

Things got worse when the target killings and bomb blasts began on Hazaras in Quetta. On February 16, 2013 there was a tragic blast in a fruit market in Hazara Town, which caused more than 100 killed and approximately 200 injured.

“After the blast, everyone was very terrified. I was not feeling safe there anymore.”

Ibrar’s sister and his aunt were very worried for him. They decided to send him to a safe country, and the husband of his aunt arranged for a people smuggler.

The Way to Indonesia

In September 2014, he went to Kabul, Afghanistan and stayed there for 7 days. Then he flew to New Delhi, India where he stayed for 3 days, from there he flew to Malaysia and then arrived in Indonesia by boat in October 2014.

His Life in Indonesia

On October 7, he registered himself at the UNHCR office and stayed in Bogor for a month.

In November 2014, he went to Kupang city. Since then, he has been living in a refugee community house.

“To avoid depression, I do exercise and self-study though I have been deprived of proper education.

The Last Word

Ibrar hopes to be helped and find a home where he can get proper education, work and support his family.

As a UNHCR refugee, Ibrar is eligible for Canada’s private sponsorship program. He needs a group of five Canadian friends to support him.

To help support Ibrar Hussain as a sponsor, please contact Stephen Watt on Facebook.

You can also reach out to Ibrar on Facebook.

Reach out and discover how wonderful it is to privately sponsor a nice family to start a new life – with your help – in Canada!

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