Refugee Boy

In February, Mr. Kelo and Alem arrive at the courthouse. During the hearing, the state representative claims that the war in Ethiopia and Eritrea is limited to the countries’ borders, and if Mr. Kelo and Alem move to a more central area in either country, they will escape violence. Nicholas argues that Alem’s Ethiopian and Eritrean heritage makes both countries dangerous for him, regardless of his proximity to the border. Nicholas tells the adjudicator that Alem’s mother was “found hacked to death” (223). At the graphic description of his mother’s death, Alem faints. Mr. Kelo sprinkles water on his face to resuscitate him, and the hearing continues. Nicholas finishes by saying that Mr. Kelo and Alem fear for their lives at home, which is why they need asylum in England. The adjudicator says that the fighting in Eritrea and Ethiopia is not a real war, and he decides to turn down the application for asylum for both Mr. Kelo and Alem. As they leave the courtroom, Nicholas tells them that he will be appealing the decision immediately.