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Artwork for Asylum Speakers Podcast with Jaz O'Hara: Stories of Migration and Displacement
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Asylum Speakers Podcast with Jaz O'Hara: Stories of Migration and Displacement

Jaz O'Hara

The leading podcast on asylum, migration and displacement. Asylum Speakers will take you on a journey across the world, without you having to go anywhere. We're here to amplify voices, educate, inspire and debunk some of the common myths and misconceptions around migration today. Join us as we transcend borders, nationalities, religions and languages to hear from the people with which we share this world. Celebrating our differences and recognising what unites us. Listen out for yourself in the words of each guest because at the end of the day we're all human, and always able to find common ground should we choose to.


Music by Alexander Wells

Artwork by Milla Adler



Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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  • 20 episodes
  • Updated July 28

Episodes20

Newest first
  • July 28 · 40 min

    Fatmata Episode 5: The Trial

    In the fifth episode of FATMATA, we finally take policeman Igor Markov to trial. We travel to the criminal court of Skopje - North Macedonia's capital, to join Abu, his lawyer, and members of the Second Tree team for the final hearing of this unprecedented case. For the first time since Fatmata was killed, Abu comes face to face with the policeman who shot her. After thirteen hearings spanning nine months, the trial comes to an end, and Abu is given one final opportunity to address the court. In this episode we hear about the long road to court, the evidence presented throughout the trial, and the extraordinary challenges of seeking justice across borders... but before the verdict is delivered, one question remains: what does justice look like for those too often left unprotected by the law? To support the show: https://www.patreon.com/asylumspeakers Instagram: www.instagram.com/asylum_speakers Website: www.asylumspeakers.com To find out more about Second Tree: https://secondtree.org/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • July 21 · 32 min

    Fatmata Episode 4: Bringing Fatmata Home

    In the fourth episode of FATMATA, the focus turns to bringing Fatmata home. As Abu and the Second Tree team work to locate her body and navigate a system marked by bureaucracy, corruption and uncertainty, they face extraordinary challenges to honour her final journey. Through the voices of those who stood alongside Abu in this process, we follow Fatmata's repatriation from North Macedonia to Sierra Leone, and join her family as they finally lay her to rest. This is the story of reuniting Fatmata with her family - while recognising that countless others never get the chance to say goodbye. To support the show: https://www.patreon.com/asylumspeakers Instagram: www.instagram.com/asylum_speakers Website: www.asylumspeakers.com To find out more about Second Tree: https://secondtree.org/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • July 7 · 29 min

    Fatmata Episode 3: The Day it Happened

    In the third episode of FATMATA, everything changes. As Fatmata and Abu leave Greece in search of safety, they begin the journey north through the Balkans. But as they cross into North Macedonia, they find themselves caught in an ambush by border police that will change their lives forever. Through the testimony of Abu and those closest to him, we piece together the events of that night and the days that followed - from the immediate aftermath of Fatmata's death, to Abu's decision to remain in North Macedonia and fight for justice against the odds. This is the story of the night Fatmata died. To support the show: https://www.patreon.com/asylumspeakers Instagram: www.instagram.com/asylum_speakers Website: www.asylumspeakers.com To find out more about Second Tree: https://secondtree.org/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • June 30 · 25 min

    Fatmata Episode 2: Greece

    In the second episode of FATMATA, we travel to Greece, where Fatmata and Abu first arrive in Europe. Through conversations with the volunteers who came to know them during their time there, we begin to understand life inside Greek refugee camps, the friendships they formed, and the moments of joy they found during these ten months of waiting. But after several rejections of their asylum claims, it because clear that they would not be able to stay in Greece. In this episode, we follow the decisions that would lead them to leave Greece, and continue their journey north. To support the show: https://www.patreon.com/asylumspeakers Instagram: www.instagram.com/asylum_speakers www.asylumspeakers.com To find out more about Second Tree: https://secondtree.org/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • June 23 · 22 min

    Fatmata Episode 1: Sierra Leone

    In the first episode of FATMATA, we travel to Freetown, Sierra Leone, to meet the couple at the heart of this story. Through conversations with her husband, Abu Bakar, her sisters, her mother, and those who knew her best, we begin to get to know the remarkable Fatmata Kamara - or Fatima, as she was known to her family and friends. Fatmata left a lasting impression on everyone she met, so what led a young woman with so much love around her to leave everything she knew behind? In this episode, we begin to understand the decisions that would take her thousands of miles from home, on a journey from which she would never return. To support the show: https://www.patreon.com/asylumspeakers Instagram: www.instagram.com/asylum_speakers www.asylumspeakers.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • June 19 · 2 min

    Fatmata: The Trailer

    On 19 April 2023, a young woman was shot and killed by a policeman at the border between Greece and North Macedonia. Her name was Fatmata Kamara, known to her friends and family as Fatima. She was 23 years old. She died that night in the arms of her husband, Abu Bakar. Her death barely made the news. Her story raises many important questions… Who was Fatmata, and what really happened that night? Why did her death pass with so little attention? What does it say about whose lives are most valued, who is protected by the law—and who is not? And in the end… what does justice look like for those she left behind? This is FATMATA: A new season of the Asylum Speakers Podcast. Launching on World Refugee Day. Listen wherever you get your podcasts. To support the show: https://www.patreon.com/asylumspeakers #Fatmata #AsylumSpeakers #WorldRefugeeDay #Podcast #Refugees #Migration #HumanRights #borders Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • Jun 20, 2024 · 1 hr 3 min

    52. REUNITED AFTER TEN YEARS: The story of Mez and his little brother Josi: Part Two

    The final part of the story!!! Welcome back to the Asylum Speakers Podcast! I can’t believe it’s been so long since the last episode, and so much has happened since then… and that’s what this episode is here to fill you in on today!!! If you haven’t yet listened to the last episode that we put out, (about my foster brother Mez trying everything to get his younger biological brother Josi safely to the UK), I would highly recommend you go back and listen to that episode, because it sets the context for today’s episode. To give you a brief overview…Mez left his country of Eritrea as an unaccompanied child, fleeing compulsory military service, nearly 10 years ago, crossing the Sahara, the Mediterranean sea and hiding underneath the Eurotunnel train to make it to the safety of the UK, where he became my foster brother. (He shares that whole journey in Season One of this podcast if you want to go back and listen). A few years after Mez left, his younger brother Josi also fled Eritrea for the same reasons. He too crossed the Sahara, after which he got stuck in Libya, where he tried several times to cross the mediterranean sea unsuccessfully. Here, he had a very difficult time, facing modern day slavery, forced imprisonment and many other life-threatening risks. During this time, Mez was doing everything he could to bring Josi to us and our family in the UK, safely and legally. It was a long and painful process that at times seemed impossible. In today’s episode, you will be hearing the climax of this journey, the most incredible reunion of Mez and his brother Josi, and what life has been like since they found their way back to each other after ten years aart and many, many challenges. You'll hear from Mez, my mum, Mez and Josi's immigration lawyer and most importantly... Josi himself! Let us know what you think of this episode by sending us a message on Instagram To support the show and help us to keep bringing you these stories: https://www.patreon.com/asylumspeakers Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • Jul 31, 2023 · 44 min

    51. REUNITED AFTER TEN YEARS: The story of Mez and his little brother Josi: Part One

    This is an episode and a story that I’ve been wanting to share for nearly two years... and I am so happy to finally be able to do so! This episode is about my Eritrean foster brother Mez and his younger brother Josi. A few years after Mez left Eritrea to avoid compulsory military service, so too did his little brother Josi. Josi is two years younger than Mez and they grew up doing everything together. They wore the same clothes, liked all the same things and Mez described him as being his little shadow. So despite Mez’s warnings of how dangerous it was, it’s no wonder that when he also became of age to be called up to the military, Josi chose to follow in his older brothers footsteps and flee the dictatorship in which he lived, in the hope of joining his older brother here in the UK. Unfortunately, since Mez made the 9-month journey, things have only got harder, and Josi has spent the last four years on this journey. Most of that time he has been trapped in Libya, trying to cross the Mediterranean sea to make it to the safety of Europe. He has attempted the sea crossing four times, been captured by the Libyan coastguard four times, thrown into Libyan smuggler prison and suffered the unimaginable horrors that come with that. Beatings, torture, modern day slavery, starvation and more. This is the story of how Mez has spent the last few years doing everything he possibly can to get his brother to safety. It's a very personal episode and I hope you enjoy it. Part two coming soon! -- To support the show: https://www.patreon.com/theworldwidetribe This episode is brought to you by Skin + Me - a personalized skincare solution that has not only transformed my skin, but also my packing experience wherever I’m going. Use the code ASYLUMSPEAKERS for an over 85% discount on your first month. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • Jul 4, 2023 · 51 min

    50. Imad's Syrian Kitchen with Imad Al Arnab

    In today’s episode I speak to the wonderful Imad Al Arnab of Imad’s Syrian Kitchen. Imad has such an amazing story. He was a successful restaurateur in his home city of Damascus, Syria where he owned multiple restaurants, several juice bars and coffee shops. After they were all bombed and it became apparent he had to leave, he made the dangerous journey to the UK, where at first he worked in a car wash and as a car salesman. It didn’t take long for him to go on to open his very successful restaurant in Central London - Imad’s Syrian Kitchen.. He’s now written a recipe book also called Imad’s Syrian Kitchen - a love letter from Damascus to London, and is in the process of opening an even bigger restaurant still in Kingly Court off Carnaby Street. In the run up to interviewing Imad I read loads of articles about his story. In some he spoke about the 65 days he spent living in Calais, holding on to the underside of lorries trying to get to the UK. But most importantly I remember him talking about how cooking was always a part of his journey. How a British Pakistani volunteer had given him a small stove and gas canisters so he could cook for himself and 14 friends. How he didn’t want to carry a knife and appear dangerous so he broke the vegetables up with his hands, and how a local Calais resident had been annoyed with them fishing close by, until one day Imad offered him some of the dish he had made with the fish, and from then on, he allowed Imad and his friends to charge their phones at his house. Imad is so instantly warm and likeable. We recorded this episode in the restaurant after having lunch there together. I didn’t order, but before I knew it the table was covered in colourful, beautiful dishes. I remembered some of Imad’s words from another article saying “In Syria we don’t ask ‘what do you want to eat? We just serve lots of food and you can eat whatever you like, whenever you like. It’s like family.” I LOVED Imad’s positive outlook and came away from the conversation totally topped up and inspired… I’m so sure you will too… -- To support the show: https://www.patreon.com/theworldwidetribe This episode is brought to you by Skin + Me - a personalized skincare solution that has not only transformed my skin, but also my packing experience wherever I’m going. Use the code ASYLUMSPEAKERS for an over 85% discount on your first month. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • May 30, 2023 · 45 min

    48. The true story behind recent short film MATAR, with co-writer, actor and cinematographer Ayman Alhussein

    In this episode we hear the incredible story of Ayman Alhussein. Ayman is an actor, cinematographer and co-writer of amazing new short film, Matar, directed by Hassan Akkad, starring Ahmed Malek and available to watch online, for free on Waterbear. The film Matar tells the story of an undocumented delivery driver in London and highlights the challenges of navigating hostile environment Britain and its broken asylum system. This podcast episode brings you the incredible real life story behind the film. Ayman’s story. To support the show: https://www.patreon.com/theworldwidetribe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • May 16, 2023 · 51 min

    47. Food, heritage, identity, cultural mobility and going viral with Indonesian, Kenyan, Pakistani and Yemeni Filmmaker Nadir Nahdi

    This week’s guest is one of my favourite storytellers ever. Filmmaker Nadir Nahdi speaks so beautifully about his upbringing spanning many cultures, the ways that food has woven those pieces together and why the stories he tells and the films he makes are so disruptively important in our society today. I was introduced to Nadir’s work through his most recent youtube series Bad Pakistani about his journey through Pakistan to explore and understand his Pakistani heritage. I loved it. His work spans themes of culture, travel, heritage, belonging, food and more - all my favourite topics. I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did… To support the show: https://www.patreon.com/theworldwidetribe This episode is brought to you by Skin + Me - a personalized skincare solution that has not only transformed my skin, but also my packing experience wherever I’m going. Use the code ASYLUMSPEAKERS for an over 85% discount on your first month. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • Aug 2, 2022 · 57 min

    45. THE JOURNEY Episode 5: A New Home

    What is life like in your host country? What’s new and difficult? What does integration look like or even mean? What can we, as listeners do to help with this process?

  • Jul 5, 2022 · 45 min

    43. THE JOURNEY Episode 3: The Journey

    What do these journey’s look like? How do people cross borders, often without passports, visas or documentation? Do they use smugglers? Whats it like crossing the desert or the mountains or the sea?

  • Apr 28, 2022 · 59 min

    40. Ukraine: Everything you need to know and what you can do to help

    Since Russia invaded Ukraine on the 24th February, I think it’s safe to say we’ve all been thinking about the Ukrainian people. This week I’ve been in neighboring Poland, (which, at the time of recording this is now estimated to be home to 4 million Ukrainian refugees). I’ve been honoured to speak to some incredible people both leaving Ukraine and volunteers and NGO’s on the ground supporting those leaving Ukraine. In this episode you will hear from Iryna - who fled Ukraine after finding out she was on the Russian kill list, Cat and James, both volunteers from California, and Elmi Abdi, a Somali refugee in Poland, supporting non-Ukrainian’s leaving Ukraine. To directly support Elmi Abdi’s incredible work: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/nonukrainiansinukraine To check out Love Welcomes, our wonderful sponsor: https://www.lovewelcomes.org/ (remember to use the discount code WWT at check out for 10% off) To buy our merch: https://theworldwidetribeshop.com/ To support this podcast: https://www.patreon.com/theworldwidetribe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • Mar 29, 2022 · 52 min

    39. Period Poverty: Everything you need to know

    Period Poverty. You might no know what this term means yet, but this episode will tell you everything you need to know. In it we hear from six incredible women from five organisations working to tackle period poverty from the ground up. If you would like to find out more about their wonderful work, check them out here: Ella Lambert - founder of The Pachamamma Project Melissa Robel - founder of Pads 4 Refugees Dara Foi'Elle - Syrian Eyes Team Dalal - The Free Shop Lebanon Meelie Pemberton - founder of Wing Woman Lebanon Abir - employee of Wing Woman Lebanon To support our podcast: https://www.patreon.com/theworldwidetribe To check out our amazing sponsor Love Welcomes: https://www.lovewelcomes.org/ To buy some merch: https://theworldwidetribeshop.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • Mar 8, 2022 · 54 min

    38. From defending on the football pitch, to defending the rights of Afghanistan's women and girls, with Khalida Popal

    This International Women's Day, It's only right that I bring you the story of one of the most incredible women that I know... Khalida Popal. Khalida grew up playing football with her brothers in Afghanistan, and even though she faced serious discrimination from her community as a result, she went on to form the Afghan women’s football league with her friends. Despite death threats at the hands of extremist and anti-women's-rights groups, she went on to be the first woman on the board of the Afghan football federation, the first female employee of the federation, and the captain of the Women’s National Team after being the driving force behind it’s growth. But as Khalida’s profile grew, so too did the threat to her safety, and Khalida was forced to leave Afghanistan and begin her journey as a refugee. After living in various refugee camps she has been granted asylum in Denmark, but has never lost ties with her homeland. Last year, when the Taliban seized power of Afghanistan, Khalida worked tirelessly to campaign for the safe evacuation of the Afghan women’s football teams, who had become targets to the Taliban (who do not allow women to participate in or even attend sporting events). Khalida rallied the international community and was eventually successful in safely evacuating over 300 people - the players and their familes, to both Australia and the UK. Khalida continues to advocate for the rights of women and girls through her organisation Girl Power, which uses sport as a tool to empower, connect and unify women and girls from all cultures and social backgrounds. This episode is brought to you by Love Welcomes: https://www.lovewelcomes.org/ To support this podcast: https://www.patreon.com/theworldwidetribe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.