I’ve been meaning to write this piece since the start of the refugee crisis in 2015. The war in Syria unfolded before our eyes, and many of us felt a deep sense of responsibility to offer our assistance in Greece, where the refugee crisis was most pronounced. Countless individuals were fleeing Syria, making their way to Turkey, and then resorting to smugglers and traffickers to cross the treacherous journey to Greece on small dinghy boats. Tragically, not all survived the perilous route, and it was during this time that a haunting image emerged – that of the lifeless body of toddler Aylan Kurdi washed up on a beach in Greece. It was at this moment that many of us knew we had to take action and help address the refugee crisis on the ground.
With a sense of purpose, I embarked on a journey to Greece, offering my aid and support to the migrants and refugees in need. Along the way, I encountered numerous women who shared similar aspirations and dedication. My experiences were diverse and profound, ranging from witnessing the apprehension of human traffickers, to heartbreaking incidents of refugees drowning, to assisting Syrian women in the miraculous act of giving birth amidst the chaos. I found myself helping a 75-year-old woman, just off a dinghy boat, by providing her with a change of clothes, as her clothes were soaking wet, while her grandson held up a blanket to shield her from prying eyes. She was also a patient of dialysis. I spent some time helping people and talking to them. Including those who were vulnerable and were trying to commit suicide by jumping in the sea. I spent some time filming with a news crew who captured me trying to rescue a refugee on camera. Additionally, I fought for Pakistani migrants rights advocating for their right to have shoes so they could continue their journey to Athens and the next makeshift camp to obtain the necessary documents. African migrants, too, lacked proper footwear. I was determined to rectify this injustice. In the end I ended up buying fifty converse shoes and distributed them.
My days were long and arduous, often stretching to eighteen hours of tireless work. I found myself constantly translating languages, shuttling back and forth between police stations, waiting anxiously in hospitals, attending meetings with government officials like the ministry of defence and deputy prime ministers and collaborating with organisations like the Croatian Red Cross. Collaborating with organisations such as UNICEF, IOM, and UNHCR, we engaged in fruitful discussions over dinner with staff members. Together, we strived to devise innovative strategies that can bring about positive change and make a lasting impact for refugees. I was constantly surrounded by press asking questions asking for interviews and statements. Many assumed I was a refugee.
During this time, I had the privilege of working alongside an American Jewish lawyer, whose legal expertise proved invaluable. However, amidst my noble efforts, I encountered disheartening instances of being labeled a refugee by military police and even facing unwanted propositions of marriage from some police officers. These challenges, though disconcerting, never deterred my resolve to provide aid and support to those in need.
One incident that remains etched in my memory is the desperate pleas of mothers seeking milk for their infants at 3 am, in freezing temperatures as low as minus 8 degrees, in Serbia. It was a profoundly distressing experience, highlighting the dire circumstances and immense hardships faced by these vulnerable individuals.
Moreover, I was confronted with the dark reality of the refugee crisis when I found myself threatened by human traffickers in Serbia, with a gun ominously presented as a warning. As a British citizen, and in line with the values ingrained in our society, I felt an obligation to help those in need, irrespective of the potential risks involved. Moreover, as a Muslim woman, providing assistance to those in distress aligns with the principles of my faith.
The truth is that the experiences I had while assisting refugees were traumatic and harrowing. The scenes witnessed, the stories heard, and the suffering witnessed have left an indelible mark on my soul. I am uncertain if I will ever fully overcome the profound impact of what I bore witness to.
However, amidst the darkness and despair, the refugee crisis also presented moments of hope and resilience. I carry with me the memories of meeting thousands of refugees who, despite their harrowing experiences, managed to rebuild their lives in Europe. Many have gone on to contribute to society, pursuing higher education and establishing their own businesses in countries like Germany. These individuals are a testament to the strength of the human spirit and serve as a reminder of the potential that lies within each displaced person.
The refugee crisis is not solely a humanitarian issue; it is a global concern that necessitates collective action and empathy. We must continue to advocate for the rights and well-being of refugees, working towards creating a more inclusive and compassionate world. Only through concerted efforts can we address the root causes of forced displacement and offer a brighter future to those who have been compelled to flee their homes.
Parveen Ali 
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