Category: refugees

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human rights morning coffee talk Photography refugees war

Daily Coffee Talk~ 83/365

On the third day of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, my mind goes back to my experiences with refugees and the misfortunes of war.

I am finding myself unable to disconnect from the shock of seeing this happen in front of our eyes again, the war, the pain, the destruction, the displaced people and most importantly, children having their childhood stolen from them.

The pictures shown here are from the Syrian refugees that I photographed back in 2013, and back then, I saw a side of humanity that I was hoping I would never have to meet again.

Here we are in 2022, innocent people and their children subjected to tragedy because of ego, the strive for power and an unfathomable greed that lives in people like Putin.

The world does not need more refugees, we do not need more pain and confusion, humans have the right to lead a happy, productive, and full life with the chance to be who they are meant to be.

Who gives others the right to take that away? What kind of essence fuels wars? Will history keep repeating itself to the detriment of the human race and this planet?

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Istanbul Photography refugees street photography

Future Soldiers~ Tarlabaśi

Tarlabaśi, an area in Istanbul that locals advise you not to visit, where uncertainty and possible dangers abound… naturally that’s where I found human connection. The mood of the streets was one of intensity, alert eyes watching, unkempt children and wild cats roaming the alleys and a common thread of desperation bring the whole scene and my camera together into a symphony of connection.

I was told this place is destined for demolition and that the Kurds, Arabs and Turks living there will have to relocate and give room to modern buildings and to a brighter future. But what of these children? A girl that sells you guns in the street, the boys that build fires for fun and the child with the hammer training for hard labor. What of their future?

Will they be the soldiers of tomorrow?

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lebanon Photography refugees

A face to remember~ Lebanon

The most striking thing about visiting the refugee camps is always the unmistakable bright spark of hope that lives in the children. Despite all the hardship and unbearable living circumstances, they find the ability to play, laugh and be children.

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lebanon Photography refugees

Dry desert flowers~

Woman at the Syrian refugee camp in beqaa valley, Lebanon

How fair is it that someone’s whole life experience and story can be diminished to one word: ‘refugee’ ?

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human rights inspiration lebanon life love refugees Travel war

Love you~

I love you
I love you

أحبك “I love you”

Reem is 9 years old. She is a Syrian refugee living in a camp in North Lebanon. I learned today that she lost both her parents in the recent conflicts. The only message written on her hand is : I love you

 

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art children children's rights CONGO Photography refugees Travel war

365 from the archive~ Month 3~ Congo

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CONGO refugees Travel

Chukudu

The Chukudu, found mostly in the streets of Goma, is what people, mostly children use to transport hundreds of kilos from place to place.

It is amazing to see them moving so fast around the crowded streets.

They came with the thousands and thousands of refugees that used to cross the border from Rwanda to Goma in RDC.

Now, the Chukudu is a kind of a staple in Goma, and is the first thing you notice driving down the streets and the busy markets.

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children children's rights CONGO refugees

They have seen too much!

Children at the “Centre Nutritionnel Therapeutique” in Goma, arrive in a state of malnutrition and illness to receive basic nutrients and medical attention. That helps them get rehabilitated to be able to move on with their journey. Most are part of the thousands of refugees that come through the area or are affected children from Goma and surroundings.

They looked more like old men to me than children, old men who have seen too much. They may be missing the grey hair and the wrinkles, but they eyes tell their story very clearly. It is very difficult to look at them without examining my values, life on this planet and the state of affairs of the human race…

It would be much easier to look away when you see photos like these, and many of us do. I feel so grateful for the existence of people who do do something about this and who dedicate their time and efforts to bring help where it is needed. May there be more of them and less of these children.