ICA18 Shortlisted Nominee.

Diversity Champion Award for Public Sector

Najib Obaid BABAKERKHAIL, a formidable diplomat and a humanitarian champion, is the Founder and Director of French Refugee Council. He has been supporting asylum seekers and refugees to have access to education, employment, legal information and help them make economic contributions to their host communities. Under his leadership, FRC is building a bridge between French citizens and refugees by removing barriers and presenting refugee talents and skills under the “Community Link Program”. One nominator described how last winter, Mr Babakerkhail rented a hotel and accommodated around 50 asylum seekers who were at the high risk of freezing. Weekly, with his personal financial resources he distributes food and hygiene products to individuals camping outside in the streets of Paris. Mr. Babakerkhail advocates for refugees inclusion in different sectors in the EU Level and is a hope for hundreds of stateless people.