My sister Gulistan, her husband Hasan and their four children aged 3 to 13, have been forced to sleep on the floors of  Sheremetyevo Airport for over 60 days.

Fleeing their war-torn home, my family travelled to Russia, where I live, for sanctuary. But Russian authorities have denied them asylum and won’t allow them in the country. Impossible for them to turn around and return to Syria, they have been in exile in an airport smoking-room, where it’s impossible to take a shower, get fresh air or receive medical care. 

How can a country that is involved in the military campaign in Syria refuse to help Syrian refugees? Vladimir Putin and Minister of the Foreign Affairs, Sergei Lavrov constantly declare that "we must help the Syrian people”. They should start with helping Gulistan and her children.

Instead, the Russian authorities have accused Gulistan and her family of crossing the border illegally. Border guards put them in a temporary detention facilitywith their children for two weeks. Then they were returned back to the transit zone of Sheremetyevo Airport.

Last week, authorities denied my sister and her family refugee status, and as a result they became prisoners of the Moscow airport.

My 13-years old nephew Renes said he just wants to sleep securely without being afraid of explosions at night and having to flee to shelter.

I just want Gulistan and her family be safe - and that is why I am asking the Russian authorities to provide them at least temporary asylum in Russia

Please, sign my petition and help my sister, her husband and their little children to get at least temporarily escape from war. Your voice could decide my families future