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 support.

Meeting the dedicated NERS team was a truly inspiring experience. Their tireless efforts to support people seeking asylum in the North East of England embody the kind of commitment and compassion that changes lives. Hearing stories from community members Toofan and Akil was particularly moving—they shared their journeys with such courage, leaving me in awe of their strength.

It was an honor to share the stage with Muzoon Al-Mellehan, a trailblazing Syrian activist and UNICEF’s youngest Goodwill Ambassador, whose advocacy is a beacon of hope for displaced communities worldwide. I was equally inspired by Jasmin Akter, who was born in Rohingya camps in Bangladesh and has since become a celebrated cricket player and one of the BBC’s 100 inspiring women in 2019.

A special thank you to Habib Rahman (Ex Lord Mayor of Newcastle Upon Tyne and human rights campaigner)  for inviting me to this meaningful event and for his unwavering support for Refugee Biriyani & Bananas (RBB) as our ambassador. It was also a pleasure to meet Lucy Winskell, Lord-Lieutenant of Tyne and Wear, whose presence underscored the importance of collective allyship.

This event was a powerful reminder of what we can achieve when communities unite to amplify voices and stand alongside those navigating the path to safety and new beginnings. Here’s to 35 years of NERS making a difference—and to the many more milestones ahead!

Love and Peace Ruhi Loren Akhtar (RBB CEO & Founder) ♥️🌍