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Common sense prevails for Radmila ONE of the most heart-warming
stories of the past few weeks has been that of Radmila Vujnovic.
This was the woman who fled Serbia in 1999 and arrived in London as an
asylum-seeker desperate to start a new life.
As her case dragged through the courts she became a voluntary worker at
the Irish Centre in Camden — impressing everyone with her dedication,
good nature and sunny personality.
But it seemed this would count for nothing with the authorities as they
repeatedly rejected her appeals to be allowed to stay in Britain. Until,
that is, the Irish community rallied round to help.
Radmila’s friends started a campaign to persuade the Government
to let her stay — enlisting the help of Irish Post readers who joined
with others on a 1,000-name strong petition sent to the Minister Of State
for Borders and Immigration Liam Byrne.
Others lobbied on Radmila’s behalf arguing she was a valuable member
of the community who had earned the right to stay in her adopted country
among people who valued her contribution.
Thankfully it worked. The judge in Radmila’s latest appeal had the
good sense to realise she had become integrated into society and it would
be wrong to force her to leave the country.
Not surprisingly her and her husband are delighted — as they make
clear in their letter to this week’s newspaper. We and everyone
who supported her are also delighted.
It’s an example of what can be achieved when people join together
to ensure justice is done — something of which the Irish have always
been proud of.
Radmila received a hearty welcome in the Irish community when she arrived
in Britain because we have a proud tradition of helping people and sticking
by them despite all the odds. This victory shows it’s worth standing
up for what you believe is right.
Now Radmila and her husband would love to travel to Ireland once all the
details are sorted out. We can guarantee she’ll get as warm a welcome
there as she has received from the Irish in Britain.
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