Reception in Canada

A Journey to Freedom: Hany Khater from Suffering to Safety in Canada

Hany Khater’s story embodies the resilience of the human spirit in the face of injustice and the strength of will that refuses to break. After years of suffering in Morocco, where he endured arbitrary detention, medical neglect, and attempts on his life, fate granted him safety and dignity on the soil of Canada, which has become a sanctuary for rights and freedoms.

After a long ordeal and complex procedures in the city of Rabat, Morocco, and with the combined efforts of the Canadian Embassy, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), and the International Organization for Migration (IOM), a miracle that seemed almost impossible was achieved. In complete secrecy and away from the eyes of Moroccan authorities, Hany Khater and his family faced immense obstacles, the most notable being an attempt to prevent them from traveling at Mohammed V Airport, where the efforts to stop them lasted for more than six hours. During those critical moments, the IOM representative exerted tremendous efforts and conducted intense communications at the highest levels within the organization, the UNHCR, and even the United Nations, finally allowing him to ascend the plane’s stairs.

After hours that felt like eternity, Hany Khater and his family arrived at the land of rights and freedoms, Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport in Montreal, Canada. Representatives from the IOM were there to receive them, and the procedures were completed within minutes. Khater was surprised to find a car waiting to transport him and his family to a hotel in Sherbrooke, where they were greeted by Mrs. Farnaz Abbas, a representative of the New Canadian Foundation. Khater expressed his deepest gratitude for her unlimited support. Upon reaching their designated suite at the Marquis Hotel around noon, the family had a quiet lunch and then fell into a deep sleep after a long and exhausting journey.

Sherbrooke, a small city surrounded by stunning nature in Quebec, was more than just a new destination; it was a warm embrace that welcomed Khater and his family after years of suffering. He described the city as a “cultural symphony” reflecting the beauty of diversity in Canada, where cultures and ethnicities blend in unique harmony. The breathtaking nature, with its waterfalls and mountains, along with its friendly residents who welcomed the family as one of their own, made Sherbrooke the place where Khater could begin a new chapter of his life.

The next morning, a volunteer knocked on their door to accompany them to the New Canadian Foundation headquarters. There, a new journey filled with facilities and unprecedented ease began. Immediate health coverage was secured, and permanent residence documents were issued, in addition to comprehensive medical examinations at the Refugee Hospital in Sherbrooke. This immediate and humane care provided by Canada was a living testament to it being a land of rights and freedoms, where every individual, regardless of their background, is treated with respect and care.

Despite the peace he has found, the scars of injustice remain with Khater, as he suffers from permanent disability and diseases that continue to be discovered due to the violations he endured at the hands of the Moroccan authorities. However, the security he now experiences has given him the strength to continue his fight for justice. Khater said, “Canada is not just a country; it is a model of what humanity should be. Here, I found the freedom and dignity I had long missed.”

While Khater and his family live in unprecedented safety in the tranquil city of Sherbrooke, he is determined to take all legal measures against Morocco to enforce the decision of the Committee Against Torture. He seeks to regain his violated rights and compensation for the years of arbitrary detention, medical neglect, and attempted murder he endured over 49 full months.

At the same time, Khater expresses his deep gratitude to Canada, saying, “The journey to freedom may be long, but every step is worth it. Canada is not just a land of rights; it is a refuge for everyone seeking a dignified life.” Despite all the wounds, Sherbrooke has become a place of healing and hope for him, where he has started building a new future for his family amidst breathtaking nature and an inspiring environment that embodies the values of freedom and justice he had always dreamed of.