World Refugee Day 2023: Inspirational Lives Built from Scratch

World Refugee Day 2023

Inspirational Lives Built from Scratch: Hosting Immigrants from Afghanistan, Iran, Turkey 

20 June 2023, Tuesday | 1:00 PM | YouTube

This event marked a special gathering on the sidelines of the United Nations World Refugee Day, aiming to shed light on the realities faced by displaced individuals and to share inspiring stories of resilience and hope. The panel brought together four remarkable immigrants from diverse backgrounds; each having built a new life from scratch in different parts of the world. The session focused on raising awareness of refugees’ rights, needs, and dreams, emphasizing that their journey is not only about survival but also about thriving and contributing to society.

The moderator, an immigrant himself, introduced the purpose of the event and highlighted the significance of World Refugee Day. Hafza Girdap explained that, according to UNHCR, every minute, 20 people are compelled to leave everything behind to escape war, persecution, or terror. June 20th is dedicated to honoring their resilience and amplifying their voices, advocating for their rights to seek safety, inclusion, and support.

The speakers shared their personal stories and experiences under the theme “Held Away from Home.” Azadeh Nikzadeh, an Iranian filmmaker and women’s rights advocate, recounted her journey of leaving Iran nearly ten years ago. She described her migration as a “roller coaster,” filled with challenges yet driven by resilience, determination, and a passion for storytelling about Iran and women’s issues. Her narrative emphasized the importance of perseverance and the power of sharing stories to raise awareness.

Bilal Durmus, a young lawyer from Turkey, shared his experience of political imprisonment and fleeing Turkey due to his activism. He recounted being arrested for two months and subsequently fleeing to Germany, where he has now been living for three years. In Germany, Bilal is studying law, working in a refugee law clinic, and interning at the German Parliament. His story exemplifies strength, adaptability, and the relentless pursuit of a better future despite significant obstacles. He highlighted his pride in integrating and his hope to influence positive change back in Turkey someday.

Melike Guray, a clinical psychologist from the UK, spoke about her move from Turkey to London due to safety concerns. She detailed her journey of leaving Turkey after threats from authorities, traveling through Central Asia, and establishing her mental health practice in the UK. Melike emphasized the importance of mental health support for refugees, her own resilience, and the value of speaking out against injustice, inspired by her profession and personal experiences.

Tamina, a student at Columbia University and advocate for Afghan women and girls, shared her story of fleeing Afghanistan after the Taliban takeover. She described her journey through Tajikistan and her determination to continue her education abroad. Tamina reflected on the emotional and psychological challenges of displacement, her motivation to empower Afghan women, and her belief in resilience. She emphasized that despite feeling lonely and out of place at times, embracing her identity and pursuing her goals strengthened her.

Throughout the panel, the speakers discussed the initial hardships faced during resettlement, such as language barriers, cultural differences, and social integration challenges. Despite these difficulties, they highlighted the strengths gained—new languages, new social networks, personal growth, and a renewed sense of purpose. Their stories demonstrated that resilience, hope, and activism are vital components of the refugee experience.

The session also addressed the broader issues of advocacy and the importance of storytelling in changing perceptions. Azadeh and other speakers emphasized that sharing personal stories humanizes refugees, counters stereotypes, and fosters empathy. They discussed their advocacy efforts, including filmmaking, legal work, and activism, aimed at raising awareness about human rights abuses in their home countries and supporting displaced communities worldwide.

The panelists reflected on societal reactions to their experiences, noting that initial judgments and misconceptions often give way to understanding and acceptance over time—especially when communities are educated about the realities of displacement. They shared examples of how their stories have inspired others to act and how global solidarity can support refugees’ dreams of a better future.

Finally, the speakers offered words of encouragement and advice to the audience: to be bold, authentic, and persistent in pursuing their goals, regardless of fear or uncertainty. They stressed that standing up against injustice and telling one’s story is a powerful act that can contribute to societal change. Their messages emphasized hope, resilience, and the collective responsibility to support refugees and advocate for human rights.

The event concluded with gratitude to all participants and a call to continue honoring the spirit of refugee resilience, especially on this meaningful day. The organizers expressed their hope that these personal stories will inspire ongoing support and action to create a more inclusive, compassionate world.

PANELISTS: 

Hazfa Girdap, Co-Founder, Set Them Free – Executive Director, AST 

Melike Guray, CBT Therapist

Bilal Durmis, Lawyer, Kosulsuz Adalet Platformu

Azadeh Nikzadeh, Film Producer

Tahmina Payenda, Columbia University Student, Activist

Please embed the YouTube event link here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AHfc2FSQr30