As part of its ongoing efforts to defend the rights of Bedouin communities and marginalized areas, Albaidar Association for the Defense of Bedouin Rights stands out as a model for grassroots human rights and media advocacy. Its work is driven by dedicated young men and women who believe in amplifying the voices of marginalized communities at both local and international levels.
In a new episode of the youth program “Youth Platform,” produced by Sharek Youth Forum and Watan Media Network, in partnership with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Aseel Mleihat, Albaidar’s Media Officer, and Haya Khaled, a volunteer in the media department, share their experiences and discuss the daily challenges they document through fieldwork and media coverage in Bedouin communities.
Aseel Mleihat: “We Are the Voice of Marginalized Communities… and Colonial Oppression Is the Greatest Challenge”
Aseel Mleihat, Media Officer at Albaidar, explains that her role in the organization’s media department has enabled her to create a real and tangible impact by amplifying the voices of marginalized Bedouin communities. She notes that Albaidar’s structured media efforts have allowed the organization to reach regional and international platforms, establishing it as a key source of information on the conditions of targeted villages and Bedouin communities.
She highlights that many local and international media outlets now directly contact Albaidar for updates on violations, describing this as an achievement she takes pride in, as it brings long-neglected Bedouin struggles into the public spotlight.
Speaking on the Youth Platform program, Aseel describes the most serious threats facing Bedouin communities as stemming from what she calls “the monster of colonialism.” She explains that attacks now extend beyond land and property to include direct violence against people and livestock, adding:
“Through our work at Albaidar, we have documented cases of livestock killings, poisoning, and even live gunfire targeting civilians. We constantly ask: where is international law in the face of these violations?”
Aseel also reports alarming findings from field visits regarding the absence of basic healthcare services, noting that children have died on their way to hospitals due to the lack of mobile clinics and nearby pharmacies. She adds that mobile clinics reportedly visit some communities only once a month, worsening residents’ suffering.
She further points to high unemployment among educated Bedouin youth, despite many holding university degrees in engineering, law, and education, emphasizing that Bedouin communities today include a highly educated, capable, and socially aware generation.
Aseel stresses the importance of youth participation within institutions and criticizes their exclusion from decision-making processes, stating:
“Young people plan, execute, and initiate — yet decision-making remains confined to senior leadership.”
She notes that Albaidar provides significant space for youth engagement, with dozens of volunteers contributing to field documentation and research, describing them as “guardians of the land.”
She concludes by encouraging young people to engage in civil society organizations to develop skills, strengthen teamwork, and create a meaningful impact, stating that such involvement can become “a lasting imprint and a message capable of transforming the reality of targeted communities.”
Haya Khaled: “Youth Give Institutions Energy and Life… But Access to Decision-Making Remains Limited”
Volunteer Haya Khaled shares her experience at Albaidar, explaining that her work in the media department includes news editing, infographic production, visual storytelling, and participation in field reporting within Bedouin communities. She emphasizes that Albaidar’s mission extends beyond Bedouin communities to include all marginalized areas lacking essential services.
Haya highlights one of the most pressing crises facing Bedouin communities: the absence of basic necessities such as water and electricity, stating:
“These are the most basic human rights, yet many Bedouin communities are still denied them. Some families cannot even provide electricity to their tin-sheet homes, making daily life extremely difficult.”
She believes that financial aid alone is not always the solution, stressing that advocacy and media visibility are often the most critical first steps, as they help bring issues into public awareness and pave the way for meaningful support.
Haya affirms that youth play a vital role in institutions, as they bring passion, creativity, and fresh ideas that inject energy and innovation into organizational work. However, she acknowledges that young people rarely participate in decision-making, noting that their roles are often limited to implementation and fieldwork while leadership decisions remain in senior hands.
She warns that this dynamic can negatively impact youth morale, making them feel disconnected from centers of influence, and observes that this pattern extends beyond civil society into broader public life.
Haya also praises Albaidar’s cooperation with civil society organizations, describing it as productive and long-term, despite challenges such as competition for funding. She cites partnerships with organizations like Meshkat Justice, emphasizing that knowledge-sharing among institutions enhances the quality and impact of projects and programs.
In closing, Haya encourages young people to engage in institutional and community work, highlighting the unique learning opportunities and the ability to contribute to real solutions. She concludes:
“Do not hesitate — this experience will change you and make you part of genuine, meaningful development.”