The Human Trace
What happens when we stop scrolling past the headlines and start listening to the lives behind them?
Hosted by Helen Avadiar-Nimbalker, this podcast steps into the stories that don’t always get told; the ones shaping our world from the margins, the frontlines, and the shadows.
Each episode is a deep, human conversation about what’s really happening and why it matters more than we think.
Because some stories aren’t just news.
They’re personal.
And they’re not going away.
Because, these are conversations that can't wait.
Published by Asia Freedom Network.
The Human Trace is produced to spark real conversations, amplify unheard stories, and trace the human impact behind global issues.
Helen Avadiar-Nimbalker is a trauma specialist, anti-trafficking strategist, and Director of the Asia Freedom Network. She is the founder of The Whispering Willow and CEO of Rise Foundation Asia - two organisations providing trauma-informed, community-based support for survivors of exploitation across Southeast Asia. With over two decades of experience, Helen has supported displaced communities, led survivor care initiatives, advised governments and civil society on systems reform, and shaped regional conversations on human rights, trauma, and justice.
Connect: linkedin.com/in/helenavadiarnimbalker
Learn more at asiafreedomnetwork.org and follow us on Instagram & LinkedIn @asiafreedomnetwork.
The Human Trace
The Rohingya Crisis: A Historical Perspective
Guest: Yasmin Ullah (https://www.instagram.com/rohingyawomencollaborative/)
This conversation delves into the plight of the Rohingya people, exploring their identity crisis, personal journeys of displacement and the human element of refugee experiences. Yasmin Ullah, a Rohingya human rights activist, shares her insights on the historical context of the Rohingya's struggles, the importance of women empowerment in activism, and the challenges of intergenerational fight for her people. The discussion emphasizes the need for understanding, compassion, and collective action to address the ongoing crisis and support the Rohingya community.
Takeaways
- The Rohingya have faced systematic erasure from history.
- Displacement has deeply affected the Rohingya identity.
- Women play a crucial role in Rohingya activism.
- The journey of refugees is filled with human stories.
- Intergenerational trauma impacts the Rohingya community.
- Advocacy requires understanding international structures.
- Cultural erasure is a significant issue for the Rohingya.
- Healing is a non-linear process for survivors.
- Collective action is essential for change.
- The Rohingya community seeks to return home safely.
Chapters
00:00 The Rohingya Identity Crisis
16:18 The Journey of Displacement
28:32 Empowerment Through Activism
31:06 Empowering Rohingya Women for Change
36:35 The Quest for Effective Advocacy
40:51 Hope and the Delusional Human Spirit
45:02 Addressing Regional Responses to the Rohingya Crisis
50:40 Navigating Intergenerational Trauma and Healing
56:01 Call to Action: Supporting the Rohingya Movement
Published by Asia Freedom Network.
The Human Trace is produced to spark real conversations, amplify unheard stories, and trace the human impact behind global issues.
Helen Avadiar-Nimbalker is a trauma specialist, anti-trafficking strategist, and Director of the Asia Freedom Network. She is the founder of The Whispering Willow and CEO of Rise Foundation Asia — two organisations providing trauma-informed, community-based support for survivors of exploitation across Southeast Asia. With over two decades of experience, Helen has supported displaced communities, led survivor care initiatives, advised governments and civil society on systems reform, and shaped regional conversations on human rights, trauma, and justice.
Connect: linkedin.com/in/helenavadiarnimbalker
Learn more at asiafreedomnetwork.org and follow us on Instagram & LinkedIn @asiafreedomnetwork.