ministries
Blog entry | 18-01-2022 | Others about the work of BZ
Aram Mahmoud fled Syria at the age of 17, where he was a badminton champion. Thanks to his perseverance, he was allowed to compete for the refugee team at the Olympics. “During the opening ceremony, I thought about my sister and father who stayed behind in Syria.”
Worldwide there are 26 million refugees – more than ever registered – who, like Aram, have to flee their own country. Due to war, conflict and persecution, it is no longer safe for many refugees. In the podcast series Flight numberIn s, people who have fled tell their personal, moving and sometimes moving story on the basis of music fragments. The podcast is a collaboration between UNHCR NL, Refugee Foundation and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Champion of Syria
When he was eleven, Aram went to a badminton match with his father for the first time. ‘It was more analyzing than enjoying, but I was immediately sold’, says Aram. He starts playing badminton with his older sister. ‘My father has no experience with that sport, but he is very dedicated. He coaches us and teaches us that you have to give everything.’ At fifteen, both Aram and his sister become champions of Syria.
Explosion in the sports hall
When the sports hall is destroyed by an explosion during a training session, his dream also shatters. Playing at the top level is never going to work in a country at war. Aram no longer dares to train and realizes that he has no future in Syria. In the middle of his senior year, he decides to flee with his older brother. ‘My sister stays behind. A pity, because she too has talent and is a hard worker.’
John Lennon
Once in the Netherlands, Aram finds a badminton club in Doetinchem. Aram trains hard and his talent stands out. He will compete for the refugee team at the Olympic Games in Tokyo. During the opening ceremony, he thinks of two people: his sister and his father. “They should have been there too.” He hears for the first time Imagine by John Lennon. ‘That song represents us refugees. We fled because we want to live our lives in peace. You may say that I’m a dreamer, but I’m not the only one.’
Perspective in the region
As for Aram, it is no longer safe for many other people in their own country. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs contributes to improved reception and protection of refugees in their region of origin.
To this end, the ministry works together in the PROSPECTS partnership set up by the Netherlands. This is a collaboration between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), International Finance Corporation (IFC), International Labor Organization (ILO), United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the World Bank.
Together with local authorities and companies, the PROSPECTS partners invest in protection, education and employment for refugees and vulnerable host communities. In this way, the Netherlands contributes to the future prospects of refugees and the communities that receive them. Until 2023, the PROSPECTS partnership will invest 500 million euros in perspective for refugees in Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Egypt, Uganda, Kenya, Sudan and Ethiopia.
Podcast Flight Numbers
Hear the whole story of Aram in the third episode of flight numbers:
Read more about the podcast flight numbersEpisode 1: Rasha el Husain: ‘Our Family Was Haunted’‘I feel guilty,’ says Rasha el Husain. “My parents threw everything away to protect me, my brother and sister.” Rasha is 11 years old when she has to leave Syria and flees to the Netherlands with her father, brother and sister. |
