Banaz Kamil, originally from Kurdistan, is currently a PhD researcher at the University of the West of Scotland, engaging in socio-legal research on Immigration and Asylum law. When Banaz was 5 years old, her family sought asylum in the UK, only to face nearly two decades of immigration limbo. Their claim remained unresolved until they resorted to a public hunger strike, compelling the Home Office to make a decision. Driven by her passion for justice, she completed her undergraduate degree in law. Her dedication and academic achievements led to her being awarded the Vice Chancellor PhD Studentship.
Prior to her academic pursuits, Banaz also worked as a Content and Outreach Executive at HSI Global and this experience provided her with valuable skills in communication, research, and outreach, which she now applies to her research and advocacy efforts. Motivated by a genuine sense of social justice, Banaz's personal challenges within the UK’s asylum system reinforce her dedication to improving the lives of refugees and asylum seekers, underscoring her commitment to advocating for the vulnerable and marginalised
