Displacement in Georgia, fight against cancer, a deportation order, separation with his wife – this is what Levan had to endure. At the request of the United Nations Committee against Torture, Levan was able to stay in Switzerland and receive vital oncological treatment. However, the Swiss authorities unexpectedly deported Lana, his wife, to Georgia. The couple has only recently reunited after almost two years apart.
STORY
Levan and his wife Lana came to Switzerland from Georgia seeking international protection to receive treatment for a cancer of the lymphatic system that he could not afford in Georgia.
Upon arrival to Switzerland, Levan’s health condition rapidly deteriorated and he was in danger of dying without immediate therapy. Moreover, after living in a pronounced psychological stress situation, Levan's mental health deteriorated, and he was admitted to the psychiatric hospital in connection with acute suicidal tendency.
The Swiss authorities rejected Levan and Lana’s requests for international protection. After that, we helped Levan file a complaint to the United Nations Committee against Torture. The Committee indicated to the Swiss authorities not to deport Levan while his case was under its consideration.
A few months later the police officers came to the couple’s accommodation at night, detained Lana and deported her to Georgia. The unexpected and forced separation had a grave impact on Levan’s mental health since Lana gave him a lot of stability. He was admitted to the psychiatric hospita with a high risk of suicide.
In December 2023, the couple finally reunited in Switzerland. Currently, they stay at the return center with inadequate living conditions. According to the findings of the National Commission for the Prevention of Torture, such conditions are not appropriate for people with mental health disorders due to the risk of self-harm and re-traumatization. Levan and Lana aim to file complaints against such conditions.
Upon arrival to Switzerland, Levan’s health condition rapidly deteriorated and he was in danger of dying without immediate therapy. Moreover, after living in a pronounced psychological stress situation, Levan's mental health deteriorated, and he was admitted to the psychiatric hospital in connection with acute suicidal tendency.
The Swiss authorities rejected Levan and Lana’s requests for international protection. After that, we helped Levan file a complaint to the United Nations Committee against Torture. The Committee indicated to the Swiss authorities not to deport Levan while his case was under its consideration.
A few months later the police officers came to the couple’s accommodation at night, detained Lana and deported her to Georgia. The unexpected and forced separation had a grave impact on Levan’s mental health since Lana gave him a lot of stability. He was admitted to the psychiatric hospita with a high risk of suicide.
In December 2023, the couple finally reunited in Switzerland. Currently, they stay at the return center with inadequate living conditions. According to the findings of the National Commission for the Prevention of Torture, such conditions are not appropriate for people with mental health disorders due to the risk of self-harm and re-traumatization. Levan and Lana aim to file complaints against such conditions.
Conditions in the return center where Levan and Lana live
Levan’s communal kitchen in the center with unsanitary conditions
Medical report describing the devastating impact of Lana's deportation on Levan's mental health
Levan and Lana are rejected asylum seekers and belong to a vulnerable group of people. It is much more difficult for this category of people to obtain equal treatment, decent living conditions and respect for their rights.
Help us support Levan and Lana in defending their rights on the international and national level. Your donation makes a difference, no matter the amount.
Help us support Levan and Lana in defending their rights on the international and national level. Your donation makes a difference, no matter the amount.
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Every donation you make will support Levan and Lana’s efforts to protect their rights in Switzerland and help cover their legal costs.
