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New Labor MP Ibrahim Omer has told the heartbreaking story of how he became New Zealand’s second refugee MP.
Omer came to New Zealand after fleeing the small African nation of Eritrea as a teenager.
He worked as a cleaner at the University of Victoria while earning a degree there, and worked his way into the union movement before being elected to Parliament on the Labor list in 2020.
Omer delivered the second keynote address of the quarter to a silent and packed House, ending with a standing ovation.
ROBERT KITCHEN / Things
Omer hugs Deputy Labor Leader Kelvin Davis after his speech.
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The full speech: Labor MP Ibrahim Omer gives his inaugural speech in Parliament.
“I am Eritrean. I am a former refugee. I’m Muslim. I am a trade unionist and defender of living wages. But the most important thing is that today I am here before you like a kiwi brimming with pride, ”he began.
He said his story was the story of all refugees – someone forced to leave their home in the hope of being safe.
Omer recounted a mostly happy childhood in Eritrea that was darkened during a civil war for independence, ultimately resulting in a totalitarian state from which he fled.
“Mine was a happy and typical Eritrean upbringing. I grew up in a tolerant society, ”said Omer.
He said he dreamed of being a soccer player or a politician, but left those dreams behind when he fled the country as a young adult, fearing forced national service.
ROBERT KITCHEN / Things
The new MP Ibrahim Omer during his inaugural speech in the Debate Chamber of Parliament today.
“Most of my life in Eritrea there was a war. For 30 years my country was involved in a war for independence ”.
“I vividly remember the fight. There was no electricity, we had very little food.
“We believed that Eritrea could be a bright star for Africa. But my country was betrayed by the same people who fought for independence.
“Now Eritrea is one of the largest producers of refugees per capita.”
He went to Sudan, despite the “shoot to kill” policy for those who deserted.
“I left behind everything I loved. My country, my family, my friends, and my dreams, including the list of things I wanted to do. The chances of reaching Sudan were 50 to 50 “.
After five years in Sudan, he was granted refugee status in New Zealand through the United Nations, a place he “had never heard of”.
Hagen Hopkins / Getty Images
Omer speaks during his inaugural address.
“But I heard it was one of the most peaceful counties in the world. That was fine with me, because I was sick and tired of looking over my shoulder. “
Omer worked as a security guard, fruit picker and eventually cleaner at the University of Victoria, working 80 hours a week to send money home.
“All I did was stay clean, clean, clean, day and night. I didn’t have time to think, I didn’t have time to meet people or be part of a community, ”he told the Chamber.
He became involved in the union movement, got a raise and began studying at the University of Victoria, attending his first lecture in a theater that he had cleaned the night before.
Omer thanked the union movement for getting him involved in politics, particularly E Tu delegate Paul Tolich, who “chased me around Wellington with a nomination form.”
He vowed to keep fighting for low paid workers and refugees.
“The reality is that many millions of people have not been as lucky as I was,” he says. The world must be changed so that millions are not displaced and harmed.
“I see you, I feel you, I will be by your side and I will fight alongside you.”
Omer’s speech followed the first inaugural speech by the new Labor MP from Manurewa Arena Williams.
Williams, 31, vowed to be a voice that fights for young people and for Manurewa, including the four prisons of his electorate.
“There are four prisons in Manurewa’s electorate, and its men, women and youth are my constituents as well,” he said.
He apologized to his young children for the fact that he would not see them as often.
“I hope they realize that there are other children in Manurewa who will need me too. Children with rotten teeth, not enough food.”
