Humanists UK is saddened to hear of the death of Camila Batmanghelidjh who died on 1 January, aged 61, following a period of illness. The Iranian-Belgian psychotherapist and social entrepreneur, based in the UK, was best known for founding Kids Company and Place2Be, charities focused on helping marginalised children and young adults in inner city environments.
Batmangdelidh’s work was motivated by her humanist beliefs about the importance of improving human welfare in the one life we have. Her work was widely recognised, and she featured in Michael Rosen and Annemarie Young’s children’s book What is Humanism?, where she shared her perspectives on children’s welfare. Batmanghelidjh’s commitment to improving the lives of vulnerable children made her a respected and influential figure in the pursuit of social justice.
Humanists UK Chief Executive Andrew Copson remembers her achievements, saying:
‘Camila was a humanist whose abiding mission was not just improving the welfare of children, but a desire to uplift lives marred by poverty. Her legacy will remain the profound impact she had on children living in poverty in some of the wealthiest cities in the world.’
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For further comment or information, media should contact Humanists UK Director of Public Affairs and Policy Kathy Riddick at press@humanists.uk or phone 020 7324 3072 or 020 3675 0959.
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