Human rights defender's story: Azadi

Azadi, working under a pseudonym due to safety concerns, is deeply involved in migrant rights advocacy along the borders between Serbia, Bulgaria, and Hungary, and in Greece. Witnessing firsthand the challenges and injustices faced by migrants after the closure of the Balkan route, Azadi was compelled to commit her life to this cause, believing strongly that human rights should not be categorised and that all people deserve to enjoy them.

Azadi’s activism is fueled by the conviction that migration is not a crime and that defending the rights of people on the move should not be criminalised. Her experiences in informal camps, where she observed hundreds of people living without basic amenities, reinforced her resolve to fight against the systemic issues that perpetuate such conditions.

One of Azadi’s significant challenges is the stigmatisation and threats from local authorities and the risk of arrest for her activities. Despite these obstacles, she remains committed to her work, drawing strength from the psychological support and resilience shared with fellow migrants and activists.

During her engagement with ISHR, Azadi emphasised the need for greater international support and the importance of viewing migrants as individuals with stories and rights, rather than mere statistics. She advocates for a shift in perception by States and societies to recognise migration as a human right and to treat migrants with the dignity and respect they deserve.

Azadi’s message to the international community is clear: solidarity is not a crime, and it is essential for the global community to stand together in support of those who are most vulnerable and to work towards a more inclusive and just approach to migration and human rights.