"Fleeing Home: A Shared Experience of Loss and Resilience. The image of a burning house with a family leaving is a stark reminder of the universal experience of displacement. From Karelia to Kurdistan, the need to flee from danger is a reality. Wearing traditional Karelian regional dresses, Aral and Shevin honor the shared experiences of those who have come before, weaving together a tapestry of resilience and hope.
"Journey of Displacement and Resilience: A Refugee's Shoes and Bags. These shoes and bags, once essential possessions for a couple and their child on their journey to find refuge in Europe, now carry the weight of their story. The shoes with green branches represent resilience and new beginnings, while the shoe with dried branches tells of the harsh reality of deportation orders. This image is a reminder of the shared experiences of refugees who flee their homes, seeking safety and a better future, and the enduring human spirit that refuses to be defeated."
"Lost in a World of Borders: The Struggle of Displacement. This image captures the loneliness and isolation that comes with being forced to flee your home and navigate a world of barriers. The shadowy figure behind the map-covered window highlights the universal struggle of those who are denied the right to belong. It is a poignant reminder of the need for greater compassion and understanding for those who seek refuge and a place to call home."
“Sherin" has born in Finland in 2014. She’s only a child and she already has two deportation decisions. She doesn't like to go to preschool because the other kids won't play with her. Yet, in this photo, she's seen pushing her elder, who carries a Finnish flag. It's a poignant reminder of how immigrants are often used to do the country's work, despite facing deportation and discrimination. “Sherin” and many other children with deportation decisions are carrying a burden bigger than a child should ever bear, but they still persevere with resilience and hope.
"A humane society stands together to protect its most vulnerable members. Regardless of background or status, we must unite to uphold the values of compassion and empathy for all those in our community."
