Brief Profile

Sara Mardini is a Syrian refugee, activist, and humanitarian known for her efforts in rescuing migrants and advocating for refugee rights. Born in 1995 in Damascus, Syria, she and her sister Yusra Mardini fled the Syrian civil war in 2015. While crossing the Aegean Sea, their boat began to sink, and the sisters swam for hours, saving the lives of those onboard.

After reaching Greece, Sara became a volunteer for ERCI, a nonprofit organization assisting refugees arriving on the island of Lesbos. In 2018, she was arrested by Greek authorities on charges of human trafficking and espionage due to her humanitarian work. Her case gained global attention, highlighting the criminalization of refugee aid efforts.

Sara continues to advocate for refugee rights and support displaced communities worldwide.