Community-led aid
Humanitarian aid, advocacy and community-building to support people who are refugees and asylum seekers
We provide emergency humanitarian aid to people who are refugees and asylum seekers worldwide.
An unfolding crisis
110 million people displaced
As of mid-2023, the UN reports that around the world there are more than 110 million people displaced by war, persecution and other human rights violations. Many of these live in acute difficulty and insecurity.
A humanitarian crisis in Greece
In Greece, many people who are refugees and asylum seekers struggle to access the most basic of rights: food, shelter, and a legal system that upholds their right to asylum. The ‘crisis’ that hit global headlines in 2015 hasn’t gone away and tens of thousands of people still need support to build a new life.
Human rights violations
As people navigate the difficult routes to sanctuary, many have to battle against systems that marginalise and violate their fundamental rights. From border violence to detention, food insecurity to homelessness, the struggles facing communities experiencing forced migration never seem to end.
How it works
Situation monitoring
Our teams actively monitoring developing humanitarian situations on the ground. We draw on the knowledge and expertise of displaced people themselves to generate accurate and timely needs assessments.
Emergency relief on the ground
In crises, our teams work with communities on the ground to deliver essential aid to relieve acute suffering. This includes dry food distributions, vital sleeping equipment and seasonal clothing.
Long-term aid solutions
In many of the regions we operate, we develop mid-term and long-term aid solutions, which include regular distributions, community capacity-building training and established free shops.
Our impact
At Refugee Biriyani & Bananas we work with 50+ volunteers distribute 100K aid items/year rely on your support
Project WE
Project WE is a series of short award-winning videos that shines a light on some of the individuals behind the ongoing “Refugee Crisis” in Europe. A collaboration between Refugee Biriyani & Bananas and Studio B, the series proves that there is no us and them – just WE.
Watch the full series on YouTube here.
In the media
Find out more about Refugee Biriyani and Bananas’ work as reported on in major media.
Recent news
HOME AND BEYOND: Refugee-led Humanitarian Networks
Earlier this month, we coordinated aid trucks for Gaza from Cairo and assessed the needs of other displaced communities. Recently, in Belgium, we met with our colleague Osama to build on shared...
Winter is here!
Dear friends and family! With the weather turning in Greece and the temperature dropping, now is the perfect time for us at Refugee Biriyani & Bananas to share our Winter Appeal. With winter...
Celebrating 35 Years of North East of England Refugee Service
On October 25th, 2024, I had the privilege of attending the North of England Refugee Service’s (NERS) 35th anniversary event and speaking alongside incredible advocates for human rights and refugee...
Standing Together for Peace, Justice & Unity in Newcastle Upon Tyne
On the 26th of October 2024, RBB’s founder, Ruhi Loren Akhtar, had the honour of attending and speaking at the Peace, Justice & Unity event in Newcastle Upon Tyne. Sharing the stage with Jeremy...
RBB’s Founder Wins NEBA Bangladeshi Person of the Year!
We are thrilled to share that on October 7th, 2024, Ruhi Loren Akhtar, founder and CEO of Refugee Biriyani & Bananas (RBB), was honoured with the prestigious Bangladeshi Person of the Year award...
GAZA: One Year of Tragedy, 76 Years of Struggle
Standing for Ceasefire and Peace The 7th of October marks a somber milestone: one year since the devastating escalation of war and genocide in Gaza, claiming over 45,000 lives and displacing nearly...