International Red Cross and Red Crescent
Museum
International Red Cross and Red Crescent
Museum

The Suitcase Project

By Ben Buckland, Jasmine Caye, Anastasiia Kliuha and Ramin Rahman


The Suitcase Project is a long-term analogue photography project by and for refugees from around the world. A suitcase with a camera, a roll of film and a diary passes from one person to another, each using it to tell a story of what "home" means to them.

As people flee war or violence or go in search of a better life, their stories are told primarily by others. This project transforms reporting subjects into storytellers. United by a single camera, but enriched by a diversity of perspectives, this exhibition brings together a selection of images and stories from people coming from all over the world. In a world where new crises dominate headlines, the project encourages a more contemplative reflection on past and ongoing stories.

The Suitcase Project was conceived by Australian photographer Ben Buckland, in partnership with Afghan photographer Ramin Rahman, Swiss photographer Jasmine Caye, and Ukrainian human rights researcher, Anastasiia Kliuha.

  • Access to this exhibition is free
  • Opening and projection of the film "The Mind Game" on 14 March 2024, in collaboration with the FIFDH
Flor © The Suitcase Project
Flor © The Suitcase Project
Ramin © The Suitcase Project
Ramin © The Suitcase Project
Nina © The Suitcase Project
Nina © The Suitcase Project
Olya © The Suitcase Project
Olya © The Suitcase Project
Sajjad © The Suitcase Project
Sajjad © The Suitcase Project
Aziz © The Suitcase Project
Aziz © The Suitcase Project


  • Ramin Rahman

Ramin Rahman, born in Kabul, Afghanistan, is a photographer studying at Hochschule für Grafik und Buchkunst (HGB) in Leipzig. His journey to Germany started on August 15, 2021, after the Kabul evacuation. Before Germany, Ramin documented Afghan lives through street photography, spotlighting societal diversity. Ramin had the Martin Roth Initiative scholarship at HALLE 14. His recent exhibition recounts his escape from Kabul. His photography unveils the "real" through distorted perspectives, emphasizing Afghan lives. In the past year, he explored migration and identity themes, shifting towards conceptual photography.

  • Anastasiia Kliuha

Anastasiia Kliuha, a human rights researcher from Ukraine, is currently based in England, where she focuses on issues related to modern slavery and human trafficking. Her journey to the UK began when she moved to the country to pursue her degree, and she stayed there as Russia launched a full-scale invasion of her homeland. Prior to her relocation, Anastasiia worked as a human rights expert for both the government and NGOs in Ukraine. Her professional expertise lies in preventing torture at places of detention, with experience both in the field and in policy-making. Anastasiia is a coordinator of The Suitcase Project in the UK. 

  • Aresu Rabbani

Aresu Rabbani  is an Afghan student in midwifery and a women's rights activist, currently based in Zurich, Switzerland. She's also working as a volunteer translator for asylum seekers. 



  • Ben Buckland

Ben Buckland is a photographer, primarily working on human rights, humanitarian and environmental projects, as well as a senior advisor at the Association for the Prevention of Torture in Geneva.

  • Jasmine Caye

Jasmine Caye is a photographer who has worked many years in the humanitarian field in Thailand and in Switzerland where she provided legal assistance to asylum-seekers.