Meltem Avcil

You Are A Part Of This Story | Meltem Avcil | TEDxTeen

“Do I want to die…of course not. But I have to prove on paper, that I do not like being in prison. Can you imagine? I’m not the only one. This story is in your hands. You are a part of this story. What’s mine is yours.”

– Meltem Avcil, 2016 TEDxTeen #Untapped Speaker

 From the dangerous and unimaginable life of a former child detainee; to an award winning human rights activist, Meltem Avcil shares her personal journey within a detention center. At the tender age of thirteen, Meltem ‘literally’ had to put her own life in her hands, contemplating how to physically prove that she does not enjoy being in prison. Her suicide attempt, leaves her feeling uncomfortable by a prison guard. Her proposed ‘escape’ appears in the form of a flight on November 15th, 2007. Escape does not come without brutality. 

Ultimately, the Children’s Commissioner, referred to as a compassionate old man, and a private jet for Meltem and her mom provide the resources to her freedom. Meltem informs us that, “…now asylum-seekers are people who have fled war…and conflict, torture, and rape.” She emphasizes the strict requirements for the asylum-seekers within the thirteen detention centers in the United Kingdom. Her final takeaways were for everyone to have faith and compassion for the lives of others. She stresses the importance of positive change for our society on a global scale.

The reflections and strength in her voice rang through the entire TEDxTeen audience. The vivid detailing of her journey had resonated with each and everyone of us that day. We felt as though we were not only a part of her story, but the continuation. 

Photography and Images captured by a Nikon Coolpix L340

© Damaris Kyem