First Person

Life as a White Helmet: The volunteer rescue workers saving civilian lives in Syria
Activism

Life as a White Helmet: The volunteer rescue workers saving civilian lives in Syria

“Every day is a new life” — Also known as The White Helmets, the Syrian Civil Defence is an unarmed, volunteer organisation which helps anyone in need - regardless of their religion or politics - in areas where public services no longer function. They have saved 60,000 lives across Syria and were recognised for their heroic work with a nomination for the 2016 Nobel Peace Prize. Syrian Civil Defence volunteer Mahmood Adam reflects on his work as a White Helmet and on rescuing civilians after the Douma massacre, one of the deadliest attacks of the war.

Written by: Mahmood Adam - as told to Alex King and Laila Kiki

First Person: I fled Iran, fearing death, in search of religious freedom
Activism

First Person: I fled Iran, fearing death, in search of religious freedom

Refugee Stories — Majid Golshani fled Iran following his conversion to the Bahá’í faith, which could be punishable by death. Settling in the UK, Majid's life remains in flux, legally unable to work but desperate for a sense of purpose. As part of our Refugee Stories series, Majid talks of his continued hopes for a better life.

Written by: Elizabeth Sulis Gear

My terrifying five-year journey to escape the North Korean famine
Activism

My terrifying five-year journey to escape the North Korean famine

Refugee Stories — Yona Kim fled the North Korean famine in 1997, escaping a country where abuses are "without parallel in the contemporary world." As part of our Refugee Stories series, Yona talks of her incredible journey to safety in the UK, and her dream to now help those still suffering in her home country.

Written by: Elizabeth Sulis Gear

Sign up to our newsletter

Issue 81: The more than a game issue

Buy it now