On November 8, 2023, Ahmad Al-Rasheed, along with his colleagues from International Organisation for Migration, were invited to Buckingham Palace for a function to thank those who were part of the UK's contribution to humanitarianism.
"I was lucky to have the opportunity to speak to the King Charles lll for a couple of minutes," Mr Al-Rasheed told SBS Kurdish.
"He asked where I was from and what work I am involved in. I told him I am from Syria, and I work with IOM. He said 'you must have a lot of work as many refugees and migrants are arriving in the country'. He was very appreciative of the work I do and wished me all the best."
Ahmad Al-Rasheed Credit: Ahmad Al-Rasheed
Integration of refugees is a key part of the work they do. They have been supporting hundreds of local authorities across the UK to help welcome refugees and help them integrate and rebuild their lives in the country.
Ahmad Al-Rasheed presenting information at IOM. Credit: Ahmad Al-Rasheed
He worked there as a volunteer teaching English in the Syrian refugee camps. In mid-2013, he joined UNICEF to work for both the Syrian refugee response and the Iraqi displaced people response after Mosul fell to ISIS in 2014.
Since his arrival in the UK in mid-2015, Mr Al-Rasheed has been working with various groups and organisations raising awareness about the Syrian crisis and the plight of refugees in the region.
In 2017, he graduated from the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) at the University of London.
He holds a Master of Science in Violence, Conflict and Development.
Former Kurdish refugee, Ahmad Al-Rasheed. Credit: Ahmad Al-Rasheed
