Finding Humanity

Swimming was a family legacy for Sarah Mardini, but she never imagined her skills would save her from violence and death. The Syrian war pushed Sara and her sister to flee to Greece by water and, in desperation, to plunge into the sea to pull their boat to safety. Once settled in Europe, Sara’s efforts to provide emergency response and humanitarian aid for refugees resulted in charges against her — alleged crimes including people-smuggling, spying, violation of state secrecy laws and money laundering. Large-scale social media campaigns and demands from European Government officials and leading human rights organizations advocated for Sara's innocence, under the slogan “humanitarian action is not a crime.” In this episode, we learn about the Syrian refugee crisis, misconceptions about migrants, and what the average person can do to understand and help address this complex issue. Learn from expert voices: Bill Frelick, Refugee Rights Program Director at Human Rights Watch Dr. Steven Heydemann, the Director of Middle East Studies at Smith College in Massachusetts and a Nonresident Senior Fellow at the Brookings Institution Sara Kayyali, Syria Researcher at Middle East North Africa Division of Human Rights Watch -- Finding Humanity is a production of Humanity Lab Foundation and Hueman Group Media. Our inaugural season is made possible in part by our collaborating partner, The Elders. Subscribe, rate and leave us a review. For more information, visit findinghumanitypodcast.com. Follow us on Twitter @find_humanity and Facebook.

Mokhtar Alkhanshali likes to say that the shortest distance between two people is a cup of coffee. In grappling with his identity as an American-Yemeni, Mokhtar went back to his homeland and developed a passion for coffee cultivation, eventually turning his newfound knowledge into a company called “Port of Mokha”. In this episode, we learn about the colonial history of Yemen and the civil war that broke in 2015. We also talk about what Arab Spring meant for Yemen, the massive food insecurity caused by the country’s ongoing conflict, and through Mokhtar’s lens, how coffee and responsible farming practices can be used as a tool to unite and heal a population. Learn from expert voices: Annabel Symington, Yemen Head of Communications at the World Food Program Kate Kizer, Policy Director at Win Without War Kristine Beckerle from Matwana for Human Rights and former Director of Policy and Advocacy at the Yemen Peace Project. -- Finding Humanity is a production of Humanity Lab Foundation and Hueman Group Media. Our inaugural season is made possible in part by our collaborating partner, The Elders. Subscribe, rate and leave us a review. For more information, visit findinghumanitypodcast.com. Follow us on Twitter @find_humanity and Facebook.

The United Nations was established 75 years ago in June 1945 out of the ashes of the Second World War. It was set up to prevent global atrocities from happening ever again, yet existential threats still remain. In this episode, two former world leaders discuss multilateralism and why effective global partnerships are the best defense against existential threats, including the pandemic that we are facing today.  We unpack the reasons for the diminishing levels of trust in public leadership and the paralysis that some believe is affecting the UN’s ability to respond effectively to COVID-19 and other global threats. Why is an effective multilateral system and principled leadership the world’s best defence against existential threats from pandemics to climate change; from cyberattacks to war? Is the United Nations Security Council effective? What does collective responsibility look like? Learn from expert voices: Mary Robinson, former President of Ireland; former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights; Chair of The Elders Gro Harlem Brundtland, Former Prime Minister of Norway; Former Director General of World Health Organization Hazami Barmada, Founder & CEO, Humanity Lab Foundation -- Finding Humanity is a production of Humanity Lab Foundation and Hueman Group Media. Our inaugural season is made possible in part by our collaborating partner, The Elders. Subscribe, rate and leave us a review. For more information, visit findinghumanitypodcast.com. Follow us on Twitter @find_humanity and Facebook.

Born to a Kurdish family, Nujeen was an earnest young woman who loved football and enriched her mind through documentaries. But unlike most teens her age, she didn't go to school because of her disability. In spite of the cards she was dealt, Nujeen was defiant and fought for a better future — eventually going on a 3,500 mile journey to escape the war in Syria on a wheelchair. In this episode, we’ll hear about how Nujeen resettled as a student and activist in Germany, gaining global visibility as one BBC’s 100 most influential and inspiring women for her disability and refugee rights advocacy. Through her story, we explore the migration of communities impacted by war and turmoil, as well as the grit needed to start a life in a new culture and community. Learn from expert voices: Boram Lee, a disability advisor from the Women’s Refugee Commission and Dr. Steven Heydemann, the Director of Middle East Studies at Smith College in Massachusetts and a nonresident senior fellow at the Brookings Institution.

Join Mary Robinson, former President of Ireland and UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, alongside Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Nobel Peace Laureate and Liberia's first female president, as they dive into the transformative power of feminist leadership. They explore the unique challenges women face in politics and policymaking, share insights from their experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic, and discuss the vital role of empathetic leadership in creating a more equitable world. Their inspiring dialogue underscores the urgent need for more women in leadership.

Marinel Ubaldo, a young climate activist from the Philippines, shares her harrowing journey as a survivor of Typhoon Haiyan. She discusses how the disaster stripped away her childhood but ignited her passion for climate justice. Marinel highlights the need for accountability from fossil fuel companies and the role of personal resilience in combating climate change. Along with experts, she emphasizes the power of collective action and individual contributions to protect the planet, urging everyone to join the fight for a sustainable future.

Mary Robinson, former President of Ireland and climate justice advocate, joins Juan Manuel Santos, former President of Colombia and Nobel Peace Laureate, to tackle pressing global challenges. They discuss the inseparable link between climate change and human rights, especially how COVID-19 amplifies vulnerabilities. The vital role of women in peacebuilding takes center stage, as they share insights on overcoming barriers to inclusion. Together, they emphasize the urgent need for empathy and collective action to address these existential threats.

In this engaging conversation, Abby Stein, a transgender author, activist, and former rabbi, shares her journey growing up in a Hasidic Jewish community. She reflects on navigating strict gender roles and her awakening to her true identity. Abby discusses the complexities of LGBTQ+ advocacy, highlighting the urgent need for open dialogue and supportive spaces within Jewish communities. The podcast also touches on the legal challenges faced by transgender individuals and the importance of compassionate communication in promoting equality and understanding.

Mary Robinson, former President of Ireland and chair of The Elders, and Prince Zeid Raad Al Hussein, former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, delve into the critical lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic. They discuss the urgent need for a human rights-focused response, emphasizing fairness and dignity for marginalized communities. The conversation tackles systemic discrimination and advocates for equitable healthcare access, while highlighting a growing spirit of empathy. Together, they envision a future where society prioritizes human rights and collective responsibility.

Loung Ung, a human rights activist and best-selling author of "First They Killed My Father," shares her profound journey from a child soldier in Cambodia to a powerful voice in activism. She recounts her harrowing escape during the Khmer Rouge regime and the emotional toll of being a refugee in America. Ung emphasizes the healing power of storytelling and its role in addressing trauma. The discussion also highlights the importance of collective action in confronting global injustices and fostering healing within marginalized communities.