Speaker: Basel
Job title: Rainbow Refuge Team
Company: Edmonton Newcomer Centre

About the spreaker
Basel Abou Hamrah is a Syrian-Canadian refugee advocate and community builder based in Edmonton, Canada. After arriving in Canada as a refugee in 2015, he dedicated his career to advancing the rights, inclusion, and well-being of refugees, newcomers, and 2SLGBTQ+ communities. Through his work at the Edmonton Newcomer Centre and his leadership of the Rainbow Refuge Program, Basel has supported hundreds of LGBTQ+ refugees and newcomers in accessing safety, settlement services, community connections, and opportunities to thrive. He currently serves as Vice-President of the Canadian Council for Refugees, where he contributes to national advocacy efforts aimed at strengthening refugee protection and promoting equitable immigration policies across Canada. Basel is a recognized voice on issues of forced displacement, LGBTQ+ refugee protection, newcomer integration, and human rights. His contributions have been recognized with the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal, two Stonewall Awards, and inclusion in Edmonton's Top 40 Under 40. Drawing from both lived experience and professional expertise, Basel works to build more inclusive communities and advance dignity, belonging, and human rights for all.