4TH GLOBAL PEACE SUMMIT 2025 - Lejla Damon

Описание: Lejla Damon always knew she was different. Born under the darkest circumstances, her birth mother, a Bosnian Muslim, was raped in a concentration camp during the Bosnian Genocide. At just nine days old, Lejla was smuggled out of Bosnia by her adoptive parents and brought to the UK. Growing up, she struggled with her complex identity and fitting in with her British classmates.

As a child of war’s sexualized violence, Lejla carries a legacy of pain but also a burning passion for justice. This unique history drives her powerful advocacy against sexualized violence as a weapon of war, which she sees as a deliberate strategy to destroy communities and act as an instrument of genocide.

Lejla has transformed her pain into a platform for advocacy. She shares her story to fight against violence and highlight the horrors of sexualised violence in conflict. Her tireless efforts have earned her numerous accolades, including the prestigious Point of Light
award, recognising her significant contribution to raising awareness and fostering change. In her role with the Youth Engagement Panel for War Child, Lejla provides invaluable perspectives as someone born out of conflict, shaping the organisation’s mission to
support children affected by war. She also advocates for “Remembering Srebrenica,” a UK-based organisation dedicated to commemorating the 1995 Bosnian Genocide and combating discrimination, hatred, and extremism.

Lejla’s journey from a survivor of unspeakable violence to a beacon of hope and resilience is profoundly inspiring. Her story demonstrates the human spirit's strength and advocacy's power.