“We urge European governments to abolish their colonial and imperial legacies that have contributed to the erasure of queer culture from our history and have reinforced discriminatory laws against LGBTQI+ individuals in our countries. We also call for a thorough review of immigration and refugee reception policies to address the pervasive issues of systemic racism and xenophobia within EU institutions.” – Nada Ahmed, President of ANKH & Taha Metwally, Co-founder of ANKH
ANKH Organization (Arab Network for Knowledge about Human Rights) was founded in 2018 in Paris by Egyptian human rights defenders who sought refuge in France due to the political risks in their home country. ANKH is a community association driven by activists and members of the LGBTQI+ community within the SWANA (Southwest Asia and North Africa) diaspora. Its mission is to advocate for the rights of underrepresented communities, particularly supporting LGBTQI+ individuals from that region.
Focusing on Advocacy in Support of LGBTQI+ Refugees
ANKH assists individuals and activists facing risks as a result of their LGBTQI+ identities. The organization also supports immigrants, asylum seekers, refugees, and undocumented persons navigating administrative, political, and social challenges in France. Challenges include access to mental health , housing insecurity, experiences of racism, and the difficulty in finding a supportive peer community.
The team also provides services to individuals living with HIV, commercial sex workers, and persons with addiction.
ANKH faces two primary challenges as a community-based organization focused on LGBTQI+ and immigration rights. The first is the navigation of constant amendments to immigration laws in the context of a xenophobic and anti-immigrant environment. ANKH also faces financial constraints in their efforts to employ full-time staff for urgent case management and international advocacy efforts.
Vital Collaborations with International Human Rights Defenders
ANKH’s partnership with Rainbow Railroad began in 2019 when Rainbow Railroad provided urgent assistance to an individual living with HIV who faced severe challenges in Egypt where he was denied access to essential treatment. This led to a significant deterioration in his physical and mental health.
Rainbow Railroad and ANKH provided immediate support, and eventually he received asylum in France. This collaboration expanded to include advocacy efforts in France, as well as joint involvement in over 29 urgent cases of individuals at risk in their home country or in Europe. This partnership has enhanced ANKH’s understanding of the challenges encountered by LGBTQI+ individuals seeking safety or asylum.
ANKH has developed several other meaningful collaborations over the years. They have partnered closely with human rights advocates from the SWANA region and supporting small-scale collectives and organizations. ANKH has provided data, comprehensive reports, and spearheaded campaigns against conversion therapy and hate speech.
Improving Social Conditions for LGBTQI+ Communities Worldwide
ANKH aspires to evolve into an international entity capable of improving social and political conditions for LGBTQI+ communities. Nada Ahmed, President of ANKH, encourages LGBTQI+ communities worldwide to embrace the values of community:
“Our journeys are not linear, and neither are our experiences shaped by factors such as origin, race, sexuality, gender, class, or (dis)ability. Embracing this reality could lead to a safer and better future for everyone.”
Taha Metwally, Co-founder of ANKH addresses the governments of the SWANA region:
“Acknowledge the undeniable presence of LGBTQI+ individuals in our countries, despite the detrimental policies and measures enforced by authorities. It is high time to heed their voices, attend to their needs, and ensure their rights are safeguarded without any form of discrimination.”
The leaders of ANKH express appreciation and gratitude to Rainbow Railroad and all its supporters:
“Your efforts have profoundly changed the lives of many who are trying to begin anew far from their homes.”
Nada and Taha also reflected on what the queer community means and how queering the system happens over time:
“History is not made overnight, but through incremental changes made each day to safeguard the well-being and prosperity of those around us needing support. At some point, each of us has needed support, and it was people like you and I who extended that helping hand. We believe it’s a sacred duty to share whatever privileges we possess with those who need it. That’s what makes us a queer community.”