To view the photo collection: http://www.tatianagomez.net/kb/

For almost two years, Abdelkader Belaouni, or Kader, has been confined to a church in Point St. Charles, Montreal. On 1 January 2006, 710 days ago, Kader took refuge in St. Gabriel’s church after being threatened with deportation. He has been unable to leave ever since for fear of being arrested and deported.

In November 2005, Kader was told that his application to stay in Canada was rejected and that he would be deported. His refugee claim had earlier been denied by a Refugee Board Commissioner, Laurier Thibault, who refused 99% of the refugee claims before him in a two-year period. Subsequent decisions by Immigration Canada failed to take into account the fact that Kader is blind, and, as such, experiences significant discrimination and barriers, in particular when it comes to finding stable employment. Immigration Canada ignored the steps Kader took to establish his life in this context. In short, the decision to deport Kader treated him as someone who is of no value to Canada; an individual who can simply be thrown out.

Kader’s life has already been uprooted twice. The first time by a brutal civil war in Algeria; the second by the post-September 11th climate in the United States.

Facing deportation from Canada, Kader took the courageous decision to fight his deportation, and insist on his right to stay in his new home and build a stable life of dignity and autonomy, free of fear.

Kader’s struggle for status in Canada is supported by numerous individuals and organizations across Canada and Quebec and even internationally. However, these many voices have gone unheeded. Although it is within her power to immediately regularize Kader’s status, the current Minister of Immigration, Diane Finley has so far failed to act. 704 days and counting.

Montreal photographer Tatiana Gomez offers an intimate introduction to Kader, his life in sanctuary, his friends and supporters, his determination, his struggle to keep hope and dignity. To view the photo collection:
http://www.tatianagomez.net/kb/

For more information:
Committee to Support Abdelkader Belaouni
www.soutienpourkader.net
soutienkader@gmail.com
tel. 514 848 7583