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Zahra and Yousif – A Lot To Pay Back

Yousif and Zahra's parents had to flee Iraq after their father took part in an uprising against Saddam Hussein. Their mother was pregnant with Yousif at the time , who born en-route to the UK in Turkey in 1997. After a long and complicated process they were awarded refugee status before becoming full citizens. Yousif now has two younger sisters, born here in the UK - his conversation is with Zahra who at the time of recording was 14. Both siblings are highly aware of the sacrifices their parents made, leaving behind a comfortable life and careers and their families. Although both have visited Iraq and felt at home there, they don't think they could live there. Their conversation focuses on their need to 'give back' to this country and their parents.

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4 minutes

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