Human Rights Solidarity hosted a Refugee Week panel and art exhibition highlighting refugee resilience, dignity, and global stories of displacement. Human Rights Solidarity (HRS) was proud to present “Sanctuary and Solidarity: Rethinking Refuge in a Divided World,” a thought-provoking panel discussion held alongside the Humanity Cartoons Exhibition as part of Refugee Week 2025. The event took place on 17 June 2025, from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM, at City, St George’s, University of London, bringing together diverse voices to address the pressing challenges and transformative potential of forced migration.

Featuring powerful works from artists in over 100 countries, the Humanity Cartoons Exhibition offered a poignant visual narrative of displacement. These artworks transcended language, capturing raw, untold stories often overlooked in mainstream media. Instead of reducing refugees to mere statistics, the exhibition showcased their resilience, dignity, and strength through compelling human portraits.

The discussion featured an exceptional lineup of professors, storytellers, lawyers, and media experts from City, St George’s, who engaged the audience in critical conversations about displacement, identity, justice, and community in an increasingly fractured world. Their insights highlighted the urgent need for solidarity and systemic change.

About Refugee Week

Refugee Week, the world’s largest arts and culture festival celebrating refugees, was founded in the UK in 1998 and has since grown into a global movement. Held annually around World Refugee Day, its mission is to promote inclusion, amplify refugee voices, and challenge harmful narratives through art, education, and advocacy.

The 2025 theme, “Community as a Superpower,” emphasized the strength of collective action in creating welcoming spaces for refugees. In 2024, the festival saw over 15,000 events worldwide with 1.3 million participants, ranging from grassroots gatherings to large-scale cultural celebrations. Events include art exhibitions, film screenings, concerts, workshops, and storytelling sessions, many led by refugees themselves.

The evening was filled with powerful reflections and calls to action, featuring moving talks by Prof. Francesca Strumia (City, St George’s), Michel Salamouni (City Cares, City, St George’s), Sanjar Qiam (Storyteller, Kite Maker, and Media Specialist), and Burak Batuhan Karakus, HRS Spokesperson — exploring forced migration, identity, and justice. One speaker poignantly noted:

“A child born in a Rohingya camp doesn’t dream of dependency. She dreams of becoming a teacher.”

With 85% of refugees hosted in resource-strained countries, the panel stressed the urgent need for equitable global responsibility and sustainable solutions. Displacement is not a temporary crisis — it demands bold, long-term strategies that recognize refugees as contributors, not burdens, to society.

“It’s time to replace shame with solutions.”

Refugees are doctors, teachers, entrepreneurs, and artists with immense potential. Beyond emergency aid, investments in education, digital access, legal work rights, and economic opportunities are crucial. In an era of global connectivity, we have the tools to match skills, foster integration, and build stronger communities for all.

HRS extends heartfelt thanks to City, St George’s, University of London for hosting this vital discussion, as well as to the speakers, attendees, and supporters who reaffirmed that community is indeed a superpower. Together, we can create a world where sanctuary and solidarity prevail.

 

In New York, HRS joined global voices demanding action on conflict, hunger, and how they harm women and girls most. Human Rights Solidarity (HRS), a UK-based, volunteer-driven organization dedicated to human rights advocacy, proudly participated in the 69th Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69) at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. This milestone event amplified the voices of refugee, migrant, and marginalised women globally.

HRS engaged in impactful sessions on child marriage, gender-based violence, women’s leadership in conflict zones, and labor rights, contributing to critical global discussions on women’s and girls’ challenges. Our Women’s Rights Committee collaborated with policymakers, civil society leaders, and survivor-activists to champion intersectional, inclusive gender equality strategies.

Despite logistical hurdles, HRS’s participation underscored the power of perseverance and solidarity in global advocacy. The insights and partnerships forged are now driving our local and global initiatives.
CSW69 was more than a conference it was a rallying cry for action. HRS returns energised, informed, and unwavering in its commitment to protecting and promoting the rights of every woman and girl, fostering a just, inclusive, and equitable future.

 

Menstrual health in the United Kingdom faces stigma, neglect, and inequality, impacting well-being, workplaces, healthcare, and access to essential products. Menstruation is a natural biological process experienced by approximately half the population. Yet, in the UK, it remains enveloped in stigma, misinformation, and systemic neglect. Recent studies and reports highlight the pressing need for comprehensive menstrual awareness and support across various sectors of society.

Menstrual health is not just a biological issue, it’s a deeply social, cultural, and economic one that requires bold, innovative thinking. Imagine if every public restroom had free, biodegradable menstrual products, much like soap and toilet paper. What if wearable tech could monitor hormonal cycles and provide personalized insights to improve both physical and emotional well-being? Or, think bigger, interactive art installations in cities that break taboos by turning menstrual experiences into immersive, empathetic storytelling.

A survey conducted by Wellbeing of Women in August 2023 revealed that 97% of women and girls aged 16-40 have experienced period pain, with almost half (51%) enduring it every cycle. Alarmingly, 42% described their pain as severe. Despite this, only 14% have tried medication to reduce heavy bleeding, indicating a gap in effective treatment and awareness. 

Menstruation significantly affects women’s professional lives. A report by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) found that more than two-thirds (69%) of women experience a negative impact at work due to menstrual symptoms. Yet, only 12% of organizations provide support for menstruation and menstrual health. Many women feel unsupported, with 49% who took absence due to menstrual issues never disclosing the real reason to their managers. On a personal note, companies I have worked for excluded cramps and heavy bleeding from their sick pay policy.

The cost-of-living crisis has exacerbated period poverty in the UK. ActionAid reported that the number of women and people who menstruate struggling to afford period products rose from 12% to 21% in just one year. This equates to approximately 2.8 million individuals. Consequences include prolonged use of sanitary products, use of unsuitable alternatives like tissues or socks, and missing work or school. This is also a shocking lack of awareness among young individuals regarding the amount and types of menstrual products available. While conversing with colleagues and peers I have often found people did not know what a menstrual cup is.

A parliamentary report highlighted systemic issues within the NHS, where women’s reproductive health concerns are often dismissed. Conditions like endometriosis and adenomyosis are frequently misdiagnosed or normalized, leading to prolonged suffering. The report calls for improved medical training and expedited diagnosis and treatment processes. Half (50%) of women surveyed by Wellbeing of Women say their period symptoms have been dismissed by someone. This is higher for 16–24-year-olds, 3 in 5 (61%) say their symptoms have been dismissed, with 23% being dismissed by healthcare professionals. 

Menstrual health-related issues faced by individuals from LGBTQI+ communities are often overlooked, despite being deeply significant. Many transgender men, non-binary people, and gender non-conforming individuals menstruate, but societal narratives and healthcare systems typically frame menstruation as a “women-only” experience. This exclusion can lead to emotional distress, gender dysphoria, and a sense of invisibility.

In public spaces, gendered bathrooms and the lack of inclusive facilities make managing menstruation challenging and unsafe. Trans and non-binary individuals may avoid using restrooms altogether, increasing their risk of infections and discomfort. Additionally, many period products are marketed exclusively to women, reinforcing gendered stereotypes and alienating those who don’t identify as female.

In healthcare settings, practitioners may lack training on how to sensitively address menstrual concerns for LGBTQI+ patients. This can result in miscommunication, misgendering, or even refusal of care, discouraging individuals from seeking help for period-related issues like pain, irregular cycles, or reproductive health needs.

Mental health also intersects with menstrual experiences, especially for those experiencing gender dysphoria triggered by menstruation. The psychological burden of navigating a system that doesn’t recognize or affirm their identity can compound stress and isolation. 

To address these issues, menstrual health initiatives must adopt inclusive language, offer diverse product representation, create gender-neutral facilities, and ensure healthcare providers are trained in LGBTQI+ competent care. Only through inclusive, intersectional approaches can we achieve menstrual equity for all. 

Education on menstruation remains inadequate. While the UK government introduced compulsory Relationship and Sex Education in 2020, many young people still lack comprehensive information. Additionally, cultural and religious taboos contribute to the silence surrounding periods, particularly among Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities. A study by Wen found that 66% of BAME women had never heard of menstrual campaigns, underscoring the need for inclusive educational initiatives.

Education can evolve too: gamified apps where students learn about menstrual cycles through engaging narratives, or community-based “Menstruation Festivals” that blend tradition, science, and activism to celebrate the power of menstruating bodies. We could even see urban design rethink architecture, quiet rooms in schools and workplaces for menstrual rest, or heat-sensitive seating that offers comfort during cramps.

True menstrual health means dismantling shame, redesigning systems, and celebrating cycles as vital, not burdensome. Let’s reimagine a world where menstruation is met with support, technology, and celebration, not silence. 

Several initiatives aim to address these challenges:

• Period Products Scheme: Launched in 2020, this government program provides free menstrual products in schools and colleges, with 99% of secondary schools participating by 2023.
• Menstrual Cycle Support: This health tech organization offers free online menstrual health literacy courses, aiming to reduce diagnosis times and empower individuals through education.
• CIPD’s Call to Action: The CIPD urges organizations to create awareness, tackle stigma, and train managers to support employees experiencing menstrual health issues.

BY NAMRINA ADNIM FAIZA

The Human Rights Solidarity School of Governance helps UK youth understand governance, engage in decision-making, and confidently express themselves publicly. The HRS School of Governance is established to improve the understanding of governance mechanisms among young people in the UK, encouraging them to engage with decision-making processes and express themselves more competently in the public sphere.

We observe that the world is changing. Global politics are shifting, old systems are breaking down and a new generation is emerging, bringing new forms of ideologies. Our digital generation is anti-hegemonic, difficult to satisfy, emotionally thinking, and disappointed with the current state of affairs in the world. In the UK, we have a growing number of talented young people studying at top universities, but we are yet to provide a direction to them. The HRS School of Governance (SoG) was created as a response to this observation. It’s not a final answer, but a step forward, a space where young people can learn, connect, and start shaping the future they want to see.

The HRS School of Governance guides students in their individual and group studies through various ways. These include think-tank follow ups, human rights activism, parliamentary activism, international event participation, external courses, party conference participation and monthly reading circles. The SoG also runs two clubs within its Discord server: Debate Club and Writing Club. The School of Governance hosts two annual programmes where every member is expected to attend. The first one is a Reading & Research Camp which will take place in the British Library and SOAS Library premises. The second one is in-office Workshops & London Trips which will be held in the HRS office, the Parliament, the Supreme Court and the like.

A majority of the SoG events take place online, or on the premises of think tanks and foundations that are attended to. To be a student at the SoG, one should be a promising youth, speak fluent English, be under the age of 30 and be willing to read an extra book a month, make a summary and present the content in SoG gatherings. Students are expected to make an active participation of 4 hours a week and a minimum reading and research time of 8 hours a week.

Applications for the 2026/2027 School of Governance will open in September 2025. Applicants need to submit a CV and a personal statement letter as proof of their willingness to fulfil the requirements of the programme to .

We’re looking forward to seeing you there.

 

 

 

 

On Press Freedom Day, HRS unveiled a Justice Wall at The Guardian, honoring imprisoned journalists and demanding global press freedom. On May 3rd, World Press Freedom Day, Human Rights Solidarity (HRS) carried out a powerful and meaningful demonstration in London to draw attention to press freedom and show support for imprisoned journalists. In front of the headquarters of the renowned newspaper The Guardian, we installed a five-meter-long Justice Wall, displaying posters of 11 journalists representing the nearly 400 journalists currently imprisoned worldwide.

The event attracted strong interest from journalists and human rights defenders. Reporters and editors from The Guardian wrote supportive messages on the wall. One of the newspaper’s writers and editors, Simon Hattenstone, expressed his appreciation for the demonstration taking place in front of his workplace. “This is a valuable initiative. Defending press freedom and speaking out for imprisoned or killed journalists is extremely important. Without a free press, a free world is impossible,” he said. He added that while journalism in the UK is relatively easy, it is far more difficult in countries like Turkey, Eritrea, and others. “I deeply respect your efforts to shed light on the horrific conditions in the countries represented here today,” he added.

Among the participants was Tarık Toros, a journalist living in exile from Turkey. Journalists from Eritrea, including Marymagdalene Asefaw of Desta TV, Amanuel Eyasu of Asena TV, and Tesfalem Araia from BBC Tigrinya Service, also attended and covered the event.

The demonstration received written support from prominent organizations, including the International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute (IBAHRI), the Sweden-based Edelstam Foundation, the Canada-based Raoul Wallenberg Centre for Human Rights (RWCHR), and the Eritrea Focus research center.

Among the displayed posters were journalists such as Mehmet Baransu, Ali Ünal, and Serdar Altan, who have been imprisoned in Turkey for years. One of the most striking figures featured was Dawit Isaak, a 61-year-old journalist, author, and playwright, who has been detained in Eritrea for 24 years without charge. A Swedish citizen, Isaak is considered one of the longest-imprisoned journalists in the world. His poster drew particular attention from Eritrean journalists.

Throughout the event, participants emphasized that press freedom is not just a media issue, but a fundamental human right. Tarık Toros stated, “When journalists are silenced, the truth is silenced. Press freedom is not up for debate.” Holding the posters of Dawit Isaak and Ali Ünal, Amanuel Eyasu highlighted that both were imprisoned simply for doing their jobs. “Repressive regimes are not the only ones responsible for these injustices — our silence plays a role too. These journalists work to be the voice of the voiceless, yet we remain quiet. It’s time to rise and act as an international community,” he said.

Speaking on behalf of HRS, lawyer Burak Batuhan emphasized that press freedom is under unprecedented threat. Citing Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) data showing 361 journalists currently imprisoned worldwide, he said: “We are honoring those who risk everything to expose corruption, human rights violations, and global crises. By displaying the posters of journalists like Dawit Isaak and Ali Ünal, we aim to amplify their voices with our five-meter-long Justice Wall. Their courage must never be forgotten.”

Batuhan also noted the increasing algorithmic suppression on social media and stated that press freedom is not only a right, but the lifeblood of democracy. He added, “Governments must enact laws and policies to ensure the safety of journalists. Tech companies should develop algorithms that prioritize reliable journalism over disinformation. We call on global media, civil society, politicians, and individuals: Join us. Raise your voice against censorship and injustice. Advocate for the release of imprisoned journalists.”

Throughout the day, supporters left written messages on the wall and shared powerful posts on social media. On this important occasion, we aimed to raise public awareness and send a strong message on behalf of silenced journalists.

We will continue to stand up for press freedom and give space to voices that have been silenced.

#TeachHerTomorrow is a global call to support Arezo, empowering Afghan girls with virtual education, mentorship, and leadership led by women. In defiance of the Taliban’s draconian ban on education for Afghan girls and women, Human Rights Solidarity (HRS) ignited Arezo (Hope) a visionary initiative that merges virtual learning with global activism. Bridging crises of opportunity and injustice, Arezo pairs Afghan female educators with determined students through online literacy classes and mentorship, offering both education to the excluded and employment to the displaced. Launched in early 2025, the program has already empowered over 60 students, with enrollment steadily increasing as more girls join the movement.

Delivered in Dari and Pashto, Arezo’s virtual classrooms provide structured literacy lessons while ensuring fair wages for teachers many of whom now find purpose and stability after being barred from their professions. Beyond textbooks, the initiative fosters resilience through a dynamic mentorship program where poetry, language exchange, and storytelling become tools for self-expression and confidence. Students, despite facing stark challenges spotty internet access, familial pressures, or balancing childcare with studies demonstrate extraordinary commitment. Teachers note their enthusiasm, with weekly assessments sparking healthy competition and growth.

To amplify its reach, Arezo champions a parallel advocacy campaign, #TeachHerTomorrow , harnessing storytelling, infographics, and live webinars to rally global support. The call resonates with policymakers, educators, and NGOs, urging action to uphold Afghan girls’ right to learn. Donations fund critical resources: teacher salaries, internet stipends, and learning materials, while monthly reports track progress through attendance, academic performance, and heartfelt student feedback ensuring accountability and adaptability.

Rooted in authenticity, Arezo is steered by leaders whose expertise in law, education, and human rights informs every decision. This community-led model not only challenges systemic oppression but also redefines protest through progress. It is a lifeline a testament to courage in darkness, nurturing dreams where doors have been slammed shut. Arezo stands as more than an educational project; it is a global movement.

Please click the link down below to donate:

https://hrsolidarity.enthuse.com/pf/maryam-habib

 

HRS members, joined London’s impactful Women’s March, advocating for education rights and highlighting global struggles against gender-based violence and injustice. Human Rights Solidarity (HRS) marked International Women’s Day on March 8 with its annual demonstration, joining forces with the Million Women Rise collective in London’s Great March. This year, the HRS Women’s Rights Committee spotlighted the critical issue of education access while amplifying the voices of women globally enduring violence and injustice particularly Afghan girls barred from schooling. Asiye Betul, a representative of the committee, delivered a stirring poetic address at Trafalgar Square, articulating the systemic oppression faced by women in regions worldwide.

Renowned as one of the largest and most impactful women’s rights gatherings globally, London’s annual march is a women-led initiative backed by diverse organizations and individuals nationwide. Participants from varied cultural, religious, racial, and socioeconomic backgrounds united to condemn gender-based violence and inequality. Chants, banners, and songs echoed calls for justice, weaving a tapestry of resistance and solidarity.

This year’s demonstration kicked off at Oxford Street, London’s bustling shopping hub, and culminated at Trafalgar Square. Thousands marched for two hours along the 3-kilometer route, blending drumbeats, slogans, and a festive yet resolute atmosphere. Protestors demanded safer public spaces free from harassment, homes liberated from violence, and workplaces grounded in equity and dignity.

The HRS Women’s Rights Committee contributed a striking visual protest to the march. A delegation of 20 members staged a symbolic act highlighting Afghanistan’s education ban and the universal right to learning. Volunteers carried a 120×60 cm chained book model emblazoned with “Education” and “Women’s Rights,” while others wore miniature chained books as pendants. Their chants advocating education as freedom resonated alongside messages of global solidarity against gender-based oppression.

At the Trafalgar Square rally, speakers shed light on struggles faced by women in conflict zones like Gaza, Sudan, Syria, Iran, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Representing HRS, Asiye Betul recited an original poem decrying injustices from Turkey to global fronts. In a powerful climax, the chains binding the oversized book model were shattered, unveiling a hidden proclamation: “Denying education is denying freedom” a bold reminder of liberation’s inseparable tie to knowledge.

 *** 

NOTE: Here is the poem written and read by Asiye Betul:

What does my liberation look like?
Does it look like your laws, your wars, your rules?
Does it look like my body dissected by your schools?
Does it wear my face, does it speak my name?
Or is it just another mask for more of the same?

You look at me,
The barbarian other, veiled in ignorance,
beneath your supremacy, Veiled beneath your pity,
Telling me I need saving, while your hands are busy
Writing rules for my oppression, and laws that push me,
Across your borders, across humanity.

But? Here in Britain, who cleans your homes? Who raises your child?
Who wipes the tables where your rich sit and smile?
Migrant women in kitchens, in hospitals, in care,
The most invisible labour, lowest paid hours.
You say “go back,” but where do they go?
To the wreckage your empire left long ago?
Does your liberation reach asylum hotels, Home Office flats?
Where the right to belong is always too late?

What about Gaza? Where mothers dig graves,
Newborns breathe gas instead of air,
Women give birth in rubble, where life is death
You mourn your wars, count your dead,
While my sisters’ bodies are just headlines instead.
Where is your liberation without Palestinian women?

I am a Turkish woman,
and If it were up to me,
I would not know the name of the women murdered,
on the streets, in homes, in silent hours,
I would not know the names of those drowned crossing rivers,
If it were up to me, I would not have known exile nor borders,
nor so many women locked behind iron doors.
But I know Gulten Sayin and the pain of a son’s death,
I grew up seeing the face of Ozgecan on the internet,
I know the names of a thousand others,
Women buried in silence, in cells, in water.
My aunts, my sisters, my grandmothers.
May oppressors burn in their indifference.
My liberation without theirs is nothing but betrayal.

We’re here to speak about Afghan women,
So let me get started,
Because liberation without Afghan sisters is liberation denied.
Women doctors, women judges,
Women teachers, women scholars,
Now women locked, women silenced,
Women erased– for once I’d like to say women and not violence
Your armies came, your armies left,
And with them, their futures. That’s theft!
Knowledge is power, and women’s power you fear,
A girl with a book is a threat too near.
A girl writing is a threat,
A girl reading,
walking,
breathing
is a threat.
Crumble in your fear,

To hell with your instructions.
Tell me what to do with my ovaries.
Tell me how to democratise.
Tell me why covering my body is oppression,
But bombing mine is not.
Tell me how to speak, how to look, how to walk,
Is my accent just right? Am I dressed unprovocative enough?
Tell me what my freedom looks like,
How else will you humanise me?
Draw me a map to my own liberation,
Then burn it before I arrive.
Because your freedom was never for me,
It was never for the women in cages,
The Women suffering from your own wars,
The women in rubble, the women in exile,
women in schools turned to graves,
women across borders, women crossing channels
women who fix, wash, and clean your flannels.
And if your liberation is not for them,
Then it was never liberation at all.

 

On International Women’s Day 2025, HRS reaffirms its commitment to empowering women, promoting equality, and ensuring freedom and security worldwide. Today, March 8th, 2025, we come together to celebrate International Women’s Day—a day to honour the courage, brilliance, and resilience of women and girls everywhere. At Human Rights Solidarity (HRS), we stand tall on this occasion, recommitting ourselves to a vision of a world where every woman is empowered, valued, and a full partner in the decisions that shape her future. We strive for a tomorrow where equality, security, and freedom are not distant dreams but everyday truths for all.

This year, the United Nations has given us a powerful theme for 2025: “For All Women and Girls: Rights, Equality, Empowerment.” It’s a rallying cry that shines a light on the stubborn challenges holding women back. The latest UN Women report, marking the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action—signed by 189 countries in 1995 tells a story of both hope and heartbreak. Yes, there’s been progress over these three decades, but the report lays bare a harsh reality: women’s rights are slipping away, eroded by the collapse of democratic foundations. UN Secretary-General António Guterres has issued a stark warning: instead of advancing equality, we’re seeing misogyny creep into the mainstream. This isn’t just a stumble it’s a call to action.

Here are some of the key findings of the UN Women Report:

• One in four countries has watched women’s rights erode over the past year, battered by weakening democracies, rising conflicts, humanitarian crises, and climate chaos.
• Anti-rights movements are digging in, blocking legal reforms and slowing the march toward gender equality.
• Women’s political representation has doubled in 30 years—yet men still hold 75% of parliamentary seats, and only 87 countries have ever elected a woman to lead.
• Social protections—like healthcare and safety from violence—have grown stronger, but 2 billion women and girls remain shut out from these rights.
• While 88% of countries have laws to fight violence against women, women still possess just 64% of the legal rights men enjoy.
• And in conflict zones, war-related sexual violence has surged by 50% since 2022, with women and girls accounting for 95% of the victims.
• These aren’t just statistics they’re the daily struggles of millions. And in some parts of the world, the picture grows even darker. 

Countries with Severe Violations of Women’s Rights 

At HRS, we’ve seen how women and girls continue to face brutal discrimination and violence in too many places. Let me take you through a few:

Afghanistan: The Taliban has stripped women of education and jobs, enforcing what the UN and Amnesty International call “gender apartheid.”

Iran: Women face unequal laws in marriage, divorce, and inheritance. Between 2021 and 2024, 180 women were killed by their husbands some in the name of “honor.”

Turkey: Male violence rages on, worsened by the country’s withdrawal from the Istanbul Convention. Women are jailed on terrorism charges for their beliefs, and girls under 18 face trials for studying or watching movies together.  

Saudi Arabia: Women still need male approval to marry, travel, or access services, their public lives tightly controlled.

Somalia: With a 98% prevalence rate, female genital mutilation scars nearly every woman and girl, bringing lifelong health risks.

Pakistan: Honor killings, acid attacks, and forced marriages remain a grim reality.

India: Rape, domestic violence, and trafficking endure, alongside practices like dowry killings and gender-selective abortion.

These stories are a wake-up call. But they’re not the end. At HRS, we know change is within reach and it’s urgent. We call on governments, the private sector, civil society, and every one of you to step up. Protect women’s rights. Fight for gender equality. Turn the promises of 1995 into action today. The time for meaningful change is now.

Together, let’s forge a world where every woman and girl can rise, thrive, and lead because when women are free, humanity wins.

HRS and King’s College London discussed refugee women’s integration challenges, highlighting Hizmet Movement volunteers’ more positive experiences from survey results. On the evening of February 25, Human Rights Solidarity (HRS) and King’s College London hosted a significant panel discussion addressing the integration processes and challenges faced by refugee women. The panel also evaluated the results of HRS’s “Integration Survey” conducted among female volunteers of the Hizmet Movement. The survey findings revealed that the integration experiences of Hizmet volunteers significantly differed from those of other refugee communities, demonstrating a more positive trend.

Moderated by Dr. Aqeel Abdulla from King’s College London, the panel featured 20-minute presentations by Dr. Nuni Jorgensen from the University of Oxford, Kerim Balcı from HRS, and Monique Garforth from the Refugee Employability Program. Asiye Betül Akyüz, a member of HRS’s Women’s Rights Committee, summarized the key findings of the women’s integration survey, while Sevgi Ünal introduced the simultaneous cartoon exhibition on migration and refugees held in the same venue. The panel was attended by more than 100 participants, including university and postgraduate students, as well as members of Turkish and various refugee communities.

At the beginning of the panel, moderator Dr. Aqeel Abdulla briefly shared his background, mentioning that he himself is a Syrian refugee who has now become a British citizen. Referring to the traumas caused by the 13-year civil war in his homeland, Abdulla emphasized the emotional burden of witnessing heartbreak and loss or listening to painful experiences. “This can be triggering for us because we must process this trauma in a productive and beneficial way. This is the pressure we put on ourselves and the reason why we advocate for asylum and refugee rights,” he stated.

Refugee policies must be free from gender bias

Dr. Nuni Jorgensen, a researcher at the University of Oxford’s Migration Observatory, pointed out that for many years, refugee policies have considered men as the “norm” and women as the “exception,” making integration significantly more challenging for female refugees. According to Jorgensen, while women often struggle to prove they are victims of gender-based violence, men frequently face skepticism and are sometimes denied asylum due to being perceived as “economic migrants.”

The percentage of male asylum seekers in the UK increased from 63% in 2009 to 80% in 2022, sparking political debates. However, data shows that both men and women have had an equal acceptance rate of 76%. Jorgensen stressed the need to remove gender-based assumptions from refugee policies and to reconsider migration experiences by acknowledging the different challenges faced by men and women.

Hizmet volunteers show greater tendency for integration

Kerim Balcı, who provides refugee rights training at HRS, compared the integration experiences of Hizmet Movement volunteers with those of other communities. According to HRS’s survey results, Hizmet volunteers demonstrated a notably different and more positive integration trend.

Balcı highlighted a striking finding from the survey: while 91% of the respondents were married, none of them cited domestic violence as a concern in response to open-ended questions about desired improvements in their lives. This contrasts with the findings of studies conducted by UK refugee councils, where domestic violence was frequently reported as a widespread issue among other refugee communities.

Additionally, Balcı noted that while some refugee communities in the UK still show resistance to sending their daughters to school, this trend was not observed among Hizmet volunteers. He attributed this to their stronger inclination toward integration with British society compared to other groups.

He further elaborated on the survey findings: “Among the respondents, 42.9% stated that human rights and freedoms were their primary concern, while 27.7% prioritized the rule of law. In contrast, only 23.4% identified financial stability as their main concern. This is unusual for migrant communities, as financial security is typically the top priority due to the economic setbacks and loss of professional recognition that often accompany migration. However, for this group (Hizmet volunteers), freedom, law, and the protection of fundamental rights take precedence.”

The biggest challenges: Language barrier and homelessness

Monique Garforth, who has long worked at a foundation focused on refugee employment, highlighted that one of the biggest challenges faced by women is ‘language proficiency’. She explained that due to language barriers, even routine tasks such as ‘registering with a general practitioner’ can become an overwhelming struggle.

Another critical issue, according to Garforth, is ‘homelessness’, which makes adapting to life in the UK nearly impossible: “For homeless individuals, concerns about education, training, or employment become secondary. The immediate need is a home. That is why a significant portion of our program is dedicated to helping refugees cope with homelessness.”

She pointed out that many refugee women, despite being highly educated, remain trapped in low-paying jobs due to ‘qualification recognition barriers’ or ‘systemic exclusion’. “Female refugees face significantly higher unemployment rates compared to both male refugees and the general population,” she stated.

Emphasizing that most refugees do not wish to rely on social security benefits but instead strive to work, establish their lives, and ensure their children’s success, Garforth concluded:
“Our services aim to support their integration into society, facilitate access to education, and help them find employment opportunities. These efforts create a real impact.”

‘Humanity Cartoons’ exhibition attracted great interest

Following the panel, attendees explored the ‘Humanity Cartoons’ exhibition, organized by HRS. The exhibition showcased the winning works from an ‘international cartoon competition’ focused on migration and refugee issues. Visitors, deeply engaged with the artwork, expressed how the illustrations powerfully depicted the struggles of refugees and influenced their perspectives on the issue.

The competition was originally launched in 2015 by Kimse Yok Mu, a humanitarian aid organization operating in Turkey. However, the Turkish government ‘unlawfully shut down’ the organization in 2016, forcing many of its employees into refugee status.

Since 2019, HRS and Time to Help volunteers have continued exhibiting the competition’s award-winning cartoons in the UK, including in cities like London and Newcastle. Due to strong public interest, the two organizations decided to continue the competition, rebranding it as ‘Humanity Cartoons’. The second and third editions were held in 2023 and 2024, respectively, and the winning artworks continue to be exhibited across the UK.

 

Experts predict worsening conditions due to climate change, citing ‘weather whiplash’ that creates dry vegetation, increasing fire risks in LA. Los Angeles has once again faced devastating wildfires, with the most recent outbreak occurring in January 2025. According to BBC News [1], the fires ignited in the dry hills of Los Angeles County, rapidly spreading due to strong Santa Ana winds. The inferno forced thousands of residents to evacuate, destroyed hundreds of homes, and left large portions of land scorched. Emergency responders struggled to contain the blaze, and air quality reached hazardous levels across the region. The cause of the fires is still under investigation, but experts cite prolonged drought and increasingly extreme weather conditions as significant contributors.

The wildfires have caused unprecedented devastation, resulting in significant loss of life and property. As of January 28, 2025, the fires have claimed at least 29 lives, forced more than 200,000 residents to evacuate, and destroyed or damaged over 16,000 structures [2].

The financial impact is staggering, with insured losses estimated to exceed $28 billion, making it the costliest disaster in U.S. history [3]. The Palisades Fire alone has burned nearly 24,000 acres in Pacific Palisades and parts of Malibu, destroying numerous homes and businesses [4].

Climate Change and Increased Fire Risk

The link between climate change and the increasing frequency and intensity of wildfires is undeniable. A recent study shows that a “triple whammy” of global heating, reduced rainfall, and extended fire seasons has increased fire risk in Los Angeles. The study attributes a 35% increase in fire likelihood to fossil fuel-driven global heating [5]. Rising temperatures dry out vegetation, turning it into fuel that can ignite with the smallest spark, making wildfires not only more frequent but also more intense.

Experts note that these conditions are likely to worsen in the coming years. “Los Angeles fires were indisputably fueled by climate change,” notes Scientific American [6], which explains how “weather whiplash”—a phenomenon where regions experience extreme shifts between wet and dry conditions—has led to an abundance of dry vegetation ready to burn.

Air Quality and Health Impacts

One of the most immediate and severe consequences of wildfires is the degradation of air quality. The Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service reported that the January 2025 wildfires in Los Angeles caused extreme spikes in air pollution, significantly increasing emissions of carbon monoxide and other toxic pollutants. These pollutants pose serious health risks, particularly to children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions.

However, the true impact of wildfire smoke on human health may be underestimated. According to Vox [7], the Air Quality Index (AQI) fails to capture the full spectrum of harmful compounds released during wildfires. This includes toxic chemicals from burning homes and infrastructure, which can pose long-term health risks even when AQI readings appear moderate.

Water Contamination and Ecosystem Damage

Beyond air pollution, wildfires also threaten water resources. The aftermath of fires often leads to toxic runoff, as rain washes ash, heavy metals, and other pollutants into nearby rivers and reservoirs. “Fire-ravaged Los Angeles is bracing for toxic rain runoff” warns Reuters [8], noting that these pollutants can severely damage aquatic ecosystems and contaminate drinking water sources.

Additionally, the fires have wreaked havoc on Los Angeles’s delicate ecosystems, particularly in areas where urban development meets wildland vegetation—known as the wildland-urban interface (WUI). CalMatters [9] explains how fires in these zones not only destroy habitats but also make it harder for native plant and animal species to recover. As urban expansion continues to encroach on these natural areas, the risk of wildfires causing irreversible biodiversity loss grows.

Rebuilding and Recovery Efforts

Rebuilding efforts are expected to be extensive and prolonged. Jeffrey Mezger, CEO of Los Angeles-based homebuilder KB Home, has indicated that the reconstruction process will be complex and lengthy, with a rapid recovery unlikely [10]. Factors such as rising costs of building materials and home values are anticipated to further extend the rebuilding timeline [3]

In response to the disaster, California Governor Gavin Newsom has issued an executive order to streamline the rebuilding of homes and businesses destroyed by the wildfires, aiming to expedite recovery efforts [11].

The path to recovery will be long and challenging, requiring coordinated efforts from government agencies, private organizations, and the affected communities to rebuild and restore the devastated areas.

BY ZEYNEP VEISOGLU

References:

1. BBC News (2025) – https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cd9qy4knd8wo
2. People (2025) – https://people.com/los-angeles-wildfire-death-toll-rises-to-29-after-palisades-fire-victim-dies-at-hospital-8781663
3. New York Post (2025) – https://nypost.com/2025/01/24/us-news/insured-losses-from-los-angeles-firestorm-estimated-to-be-in-excess-of-28-billion
4. USGS (2025) – https://www.usgs.gov/media/before-after/greater-los-angeles-wildfires-january-2025
5. The Guardian (2025) – https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jan/28/climate-triple-whammy-boosted-risk-of-la-fires-study-shows
6. Scientific American (2025) – https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/los-angeles-fires-indisputably-fueled-by-climate-change/
7. Vox (2025) – https://www.vox.com/climate/395597/air-quality-index-los-angeles-wildfire-smoke-safe
8. Reuters (2025) – https://www.reuters.com/world/uk/fire-ravaged-los-angeles-braces-toxic-rain-runoff-2025-01-25/
9. Calmatters (2025) – https://calmatters.org/environment/wildfires/2025/01/la-county-fires-wildland-urban-interface/