Halil Baki Çelen: A Journey of Resilience and Advocacy
Early Life and Childhood
Halil Baki Çelen was born on February 25th 1994 in Güney, a small village in Acıpayam, Denizli, Turkey, during the call to Friday prayer, in the holy month of Ramadan. Though the nurses suggested the name Ramazan, his father insisted on naming him Halil Baki, meaning “Eternal Friend.” Growing up as the youngest and only son in his family, Halil enjoyed a carefree and adventurous childhood, filled with the joys of rural life. His early years were marked by a balance between farm work and playful mischief, in the tobacco and wheat fields of his hometown.
Primary and Secondary Education
Halil began his formal education at Güney Primary School on September 13th, 1999. His early school years were lively, with both playful disruptions and significant academic growth. By the 5th grade, his potential was recognized, earning him a scholarship to attend PEV College in Denizli, where he thrived both socially and academically, serving as the elected school president in the 6th and 7th grades. However, due to financial constraints, he transferred to Sevil Kaynak Primary School and later returned to a school closer to his village.
High School Experience
Halil’s high school journey took him first to Denizli Atatürk Technical High School and then to Acıpayam Technical High School. Though faced with challenges adjusting to dormitory life, his high school years saw him forming lifelong friendships and excelling in his studies, laying the foundation for his future academic pursuits.
University and Legal Education
Following his high school graduation, Halil was accepted into the Faculty of Law at Oslo University, Norway. There, he developed a deep passion for international law and human rights, dedicating himself to understanding complex global issues. This was a pivotal time in his life, shaping his legal perspective and commitment to advocacy.
Internships and Legal Challenges
While pursuing his law degree, Halil secured an internship at the United Nations International Court of Justice (U.N.I.C.J.) as a trainee prosecutor. However, his legal career took an unexpected turn when, on May 3rd, 2021, he was wrongfully detained for 21 days in Denizli Kocabaş Prison. The accusations of “Unlawfully Assuming Public Duty” were eventually dismissed, with the investigation concluding there were no grounds for prosecution. Despite this challenging experience, Halil emerged stronger, voluntarily stepping away from prosecutorial duties to focus on his true passion—advocating for the rights of migrants and refugees.
Career and Advocacy
Currently, Halil Baki Çelen continues his legal career as a migration attorney for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (U.N.H.C.R.). Drawing from both his academic background and personal experiences, he is dedicated to defending the rights of displaced individuals and vulnerable populations. His work centers on providing legal aid to those who need it most, ensuring that justice is accessible to all.