For many families, Mother’s Day means the chance to come together and make new memories with those we love most. But for thousands of refugee mothers, it is a painful reminder of the children they are still waiting to hold again.
Through war, persecution and dangerous journeys, countless mothers and children are forced apart. Some spend years not knowing when or if they will see each other again.
This Mother’s Day, we’re sharing the stories of two mothers who were finally able to be reunited with their children after long and painful separations.
Fatima and her 2-year-old
“For years I was alone. Today my son is with me”
Fatima* is from Sudan. She came to the UK on a sponsorship visa and was building a new life here when she became pregnant.
She travelled back to Sudan so she could give birth with her family by her side. But during her visit, the conflict escalated dramatically. Fatima gave birth to her son, Samir. Soon after, her visa situation meant she needed to return to the UK without him and leave him in the care of loved ones, until she could find a way to bring him to the UK safely. Samir was just three months old when they were separated.
For almost two years, Fatima lived thousands of miles away from her baby, unsure how or when they would be together again. With the support of our team, she was finally able to hold him again just a few of weeks ago.
This Mother’s Day will be the first they spend together. Fatima says the feeling is hard to describe:
“For years I was alone. Today my son is with me. That missing part of me - my other half - is complete. I hope that all families can be reunited in peace and safety, just as we are today.”
Amira and her daughter
“Reuniting with my daughter still feels like a dream”
Amira* was in the UK finishing her degree when the situation in Gaza escalated dramatically.
In the first days of the Israeli offensive, she lost her husband. Suddenly, she found herself alone in another country, terrified for her young daughter, who was still in Gaza. For months, Amira didn’t even know if her daughter was alive.
When she finally located her, she turned to us for help. After months of fighting through every barrier, we were able to help secure her evacuation. In January this year, Amira was finally reunited with her little girl here in the UK.
Even now, she says it still doesn’t feel real. “Reuniting with my daughter still feels like a dream. I can’t believe it finally happened.”
This Mother’s Day, her daughter made her a pottery mug, a gift Amira says she will treasure forever.
Her message to other mothers who are still waiting is simple:
“No one should be separated from their children. Stay strong and keep your faith. One day you will be reunited with your children too.”
Fatima and Amira’s stories remind us of the courage and determination of refugee mums across the world, who’ve never stopped fighting to offer safety and a future to their children. This Mother’s Day, we honour their resilience – and that of all the other mums who are still leaving with the pain and anguish of separation.
With the UK Government’s recent suspension of a vital family reunion route, allowing children to reunite with their mums or dads in the UK, many more will be left separated, with children trapped in incredibly dangerous situations.
That’s why we are taking the Government to court to challenge this cruel suspension and help families like Fatima and Amira’s find their way back to each other. This Mother’s Day, please stand with refugee families and donate to our crowdfunder today to power this vital case.
*Names have been changed to protect identities.