Audio & Video
29.06.2023
Livestream Gala of the Day of Smuggling Part 4/4
Who or what is officially honoured and appreciated in our society and when? At the anniversary of the awarding of the Federal Cross of Merit for her smuggling activities to Lisa Fittko, who helped people to flee during the Third Reich, we would like to honour people who have contributed to undermining the EU border regime through their actions today.
Smugglers are demonised and criminalised by the EU. The so-called "fight against smuggling" serves as a justification for repressive measures and the use of large resources. Under the pretext of protecting migrants from violence and exploitation, a moral legitimisation is often given. Even in circles that advocate freedom of movement, "the smuggler" often does not have a good reputation.
The event confronts the political narrative and public discourse around the topic of "smuggling" and critically questions: What exactly do we mean by "smuggling"? Who or what is criminalised? Why is assistance in crossing the border considered morally (and legally) right in some cases, while it is condemned in others? To what extent does the criminalising discourse serve as an important stabiliser of the EU border regime?
We are pleased to welcome experts, artists and activists to the gala, as well as our special guests of honour: convicted smugglers.
Language(s): Englisch / English
22.04.2023
Smuggler-Portraits: Hamza Haddi - #TagdesSchmuggels
Hamza Haddi is one of the thousands of smugglers arrested by the EU. Because he steered the boat on which he and three others - including his own brother - crossed the Evros River to Greece, he was found guilty of smuggling. #TagdesSchmuggels SMUGGLERS PORTRAITS - Over the next weeks we will be publishing portraits of people criminalized for #smuggling in the EU. The "fight against smugglers" is at the heart of European migration policy. Every year, millions of euros are poured into the "fight against unscrupulous criminals who put the lives of people on the move at risk", numerous charges are pressed, trials are held, thousands of people are imprisoned. But what is behind all this? Since when has the EU been interested in the welfare of refugees? What is really behind the "fight against smugglers" becomes clear, among other things, by looking at WHO is being criminalized.
Language(s): Englisch / English
28.03.2023
Podcast "Arbitrary Criminalization of Migrants" with borderline-europe and Can't Evict Solidarity
This episode of "Voices Of Mytilene" by Radio Helsinki is about the arbitrary criminalization of migrants in Greece. Currently there are over a thousand migrants spending time in jail in Greece as they are accused of smuggling or other highly dubious charges. It is a not too well-known but nevertheless highly efficient method used by Greece – but also in other parts of Europe – to oppress and intimidate migrants.
We spoke to Kim from Can’t Evict Solidarity and Julia from borderline-europe in order to get some more information about the structural nature of these incarcerations. Also, there we will highlight some individual cases like the „Samos 2“ trial, the „Amir & Razuli“ trail and the „Moria 6“ trial, among others.
Kim and Julia are both directly involved with supporting some these migrants by organizing solidarity campaigns and providing judicial and emotional support.
Language(s): Englisch / English
23.03.2023
1 year after Russais attack on Ukraine #TagdesSchmuggels
A year ago, #Russia began its attack on #Ukraine. Thousands of people were forced to flee. Helping them cross the border was not only no longer illegal, it was applauded. At the same time, any support for ppl at the Belarusian border was criminalized as #smuggling. The example of Ukraine has shown very clearly that aiding and abetting border crossings is not only necessary but also legally possible. What is labeled as something good or as something criminal is often very much shaped by political considerations. In the coming weeks, we want to take a critical look at the political narrative around smuggling. What is meant when we talk about smuggling? Who or what is being criminalised? Why is aiding border crossings considered morally (and legally) right in some cases and wrong in others? And we want to shift the focus back to the actual problem: the EU border regime. Fight borders, not smugglers!
Language(s): Deutsch / German
23.03.2023
Smuggler-Portraits: Homayoun Sabetara - #TagdesSchmuggels
Homayoun Sabetara is one of the thousands of smugglers arrested by the EU. He was sentenced to 18 years in prison in Greece. Listen to his story - told by his daughter Mahtab. #TagdesSchmuggels SMUGGLERS PORTRAITS - Over the next weeks we will be publishing portraits of people criminalized for #smuggling in the EU. The "fight against smugglers" is at the heart of European migration policy. Every year, millions of euros are poured into the "fight against unscrupulous criminals who put the lives of people on the move at risk", numerous charges are pressed, trials are held, thousands of people are imprisoned. But what is behind all this? Since when has the EU been interested in the welfare of refugees? What is really behind the "fight against smugglers" becomes clear, among other things, by looking at WHO is being criminalized.
Language(s): Englisch / English
06.07.2022
Detention camps on the Greek islands: A “new era” in EU migration policy? (2/2)
The package has not yet been adopted. Even at their last meeting on 10 June 2022, the EU interior ministers were unable to agree on a common position. However, individual aspects are already being implemented, including the new EU-funded detention centres.
In a panel discussion on 05 July, we want to inform about the real situation in these camps. What rights are being violated? How should the detention camps be classified in terms of European policy? And what can resistance look like? The discussion will be with
- Daphne Tolis, freelance journalist and documentary filmmaker from Athens
- Athina Ntavasili, lawyer at Equal Rights Beyond Borders on Kos
- Karl Kopp, Head of the European Department ProAsyl
Language(s): Englisch / English
05.07.2022
Detention camps on the Greek islands: A "new era" in EU migration policy? (1/2)
"A new era begins" - This is how the Greek migration minister, Notis Mitarachi, welcomed the opening of the new camps on the islands of Leros and Kos in November 2021. "We are freeing our islands from the migration problem and its consequences. The images we remember from 2015 to 2019 are now a thing of the past."
Double barbed wire, strict entrance controls and surveillance cameras - on the islands of Kos, Samos and Leros, the EU and the Greek government have built prison-like camps for people on the move. Two more are planned on Lesbos and Chios. Particularly problematic: asylum applications are examined here in "accelerated border procedures".
The so-called "Closed Controlled Access Centres" are part of the controversial migration and asylum package presented by the EU Commission in September 2020.
Language(s): Englisch / English
21.06.2022
'Tales from the Border' – revisit of InfoMigrants' award-winning podcast
InfoMigrants's feature podcast "Tales from the Border" takes listeners on an audio journey across the political and physical barriers that confront migrants as they attempt to reach their destination in Europe. Listen to it on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Soundcloud, or Deezer.
Language(s): Englisch / English
07.06.2022
Externalization Conference Sahara: The Deadly EU External Border V
The El-Bashir regime in Sudan was one of the most willing helpers of the European Union. The revolution swept him away in April 2019. But the old actors are still in the background and brutally took power back in a military coup in October 2021. How did this impact refugees and migrants in the region? Panel discussion between Sarah Creta, an award-winning photojournalist and documentary filmmaker with extensive experience investigating human rights violations and Yasser Massoud, lawyer from The Sudanese Network for Safe Migration and Combating Human Trafficking. Moderation by Usman Shehu from Radio Koode, Nigeria.
Language(s): Englisch / English
13.04.2022
It's time to listen - voices of Refugees in Libya
On 13th April, Refugees in Libya shared their stories, brought their testimony of life in Libya ,and made their demands. On the 10 January, the protest held outside the UNHCR offices in Tripoli since 2nd October 2021 was dismantled by violent attacks. Today their demands still stand.
Language(s): Englisch / English
07.03.2022
Cooperation with Radio Koodé (Nigeria)
Radio Koodé International (KRI) and borderline-europe worked together on the Radio Project "Monitoring Sahel Borders ». Journalists from West-African countries, such as Mali, Nigeria, Cameroun, took part into the 3 days capacity-building workshop on how to report on migration issues and traverlers’ rights along the Sahelian/Saharian migration route. They also designed a bi-weekly program "Monitoring Sahel Borders".
Now that the training is over, the correspondents of KRI will monitor and report migration and violations of migrant’s rights in the Sahel region.
Language(s): Englisch / English
20.01.2022
Relocation - The European solution for Refugees?
Disastrous conditions at Europe's external borders, overcrowded and inhumane camps on Greek islands and in Italy, or sea rescue ships waiting in the open sea with hundreds of people on board because they are denied access to a safe port. These images have led to repeated calls for relocation and reception. Relocation is demanded by some civil society actors as a result of the Dublin system and the attempt to continuously externalise European borders. At first glance, relocation appears to be a good alternative, especially considering the numerous cities across Europe that have declared their willingness to take in people rescued from distress at sea.
On a political level, relocation is also presented as a solution for a fairer reception system. Last year's proposal for the new EU Pact on Migration and Asylum emphasises the need for cooperation among member states and highlights the voluntary reception of people from hotspots at the external borders, aka relocation, as an instrument for "solidarity-based" cooperation.
In the coalition agreement, the new federal government also affirms its intention to strengthen relocation deals. Accepting refugees especially in objective crises, such as after the fire in the Moria camp, serves the federal government in presenting itself as a helping hand, as a moral role model.
But what is actually behind the relocation agreements? What happens to the people taken in by Germany after sea rescues or the fire in Moria? What about those to be relocated to Germany after days of standoffs on the open sea? Does relocation really lead to a life of safety?
We will explore these and other questions in our online event on 20.01.2022. People who have gone through the relocation process themselves will share their experiences and discuss the challenges and problems of the European relocation process with other experts, also regarding German policy.
Panelists
Clara Bünger, Lawyer and Member of the German Parliament
Khalifa Musa, relocated from Italy to Germany after being rescued from distress at sea
Lucia Gennari, Lawyer (ASGI - Association for Juridical Studies on Migration)
Peter Ogenyi, relocated from Malta to Germany and subsequently deported back to Nigeria
Nicki Georgiou, Equal Rights Beyond Borders
Moderation: Nora Brezger, Flüchtlingsrat Berlin e.V.
Language(s): Englisch / English
08.11.2021
The real crime is the border regime - Free the #Samos2
230 years + life imprisonment: this is the sentence Hasan faces in Greece for steering the boat in which he fled to Europe. He is on trial together with N., who lost his son while trying to cross. As the first asylum seeker ever, he is blamed for the death of his child during the journey and is charged with "endangering the life of his child", facing up to 10 years.
Exactly 1 year ago today, N. and Hasan, together with 22 other people, tried to flee to Greece in a rubber boat. Close to Samos, the boat crashed into the rocks, the people fell overboard, N.'s small child drowned in the waves.
Today borderline-europe, together with 70 groups across Europe, launches the campaign "The real crime is the border regime - Free the #Samos2" for N. + Hasan and demands that the charges against them be dropped!
Not only does the EU deny people on the move safe and legal entry routes, forcing them to take dangerous routes, it also criminalises them for the suffering they have to endure because of that!
The criminalisation of refugees must end! Safe and legal passage now!
Language(s): Englisch / English
02.10.2021
"Schleswig-Holstein-Schnack" mit Kapitän Stefan Schmidt
Es wird geschnackt - und zwar in "Von Binnenland und Waterkant", dem Feierabend-Magazin für Schleswig-Holstein. Jeden zweiten Dienstag von 20 bis 21 Uhr reden wir mit Menschen, die uns etwas zu erzählen haben. Stefan Schmidt ist seit zehn Jahren Landesbeauftragter für Flüchtlings-, Asyl- und Migrationsfragen. Außerdem von Herzen und der Ausbildung her ein echter Seemann.
Language(s): Deutsch / German
25.09.2021
Livestream: Quo vadis Frontex - Reform, control or abolish?
Panel discussions on the illegal activities of the EU border agency and its glaring control deficit
Language(s): Englisch / English
27.07.2021
People in the dumps. A “joint pilot” on Lesvos, a “new start on migration” for the EU.
Today, July 28th 2021, marks the 70th anniversary of the Geneva Refugee Convention. While Europe celebrates the day, the EU continues to violate the most fundamental principles of the Convention. On December 3rd, 2020, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed by the EU and Greek authorities for the construction of a new “pilot” refugee camp, a Multi Purpose Reception and Identification Center (MPRIC) on Lesvos. The Closed Controlled Structure, as the Greek government calls it, “paves the way for bringing into practice the guiding principles of the new Pact”.
Today, 70 years after the Convention, the EU is planning the new MPRIC at the most isolated area on Lesvos, next to the waste landfill of the island. The fact that people will be placed next to the waste landfill is of particular significance for how the Commission and the Greek government perceive the reception and protection of asylum seekers. Asylum seekers will be completely isolated for months or even years. This plan is not about human dignity. It is a plan of deterrence.
Stop utilising refugees for political gains. Stop fueling hate and racism, through fear and the rhetoric of threats to security.
Language(s): Englisch / English
06.07.2021
Seehofers 69
Teil (1/4) Willkommen und Tschüss
Es war ein Abschiebeflug wie jeder andere, bis Horst Seehofer scherzte: „Ausgerechnet an meinem 69. Geburtstag...“ Drei Jahre später finden wir einige der 69 Afghanen wieder: Im Chaos von Kabul, gestrandet in Moria und zurück in der bayrischen Idylle.
In Afghanistan angekommen, verliert sich die Spur von Seehofers 69 schon nach wenigen Tagen. Kaum einer sieht eine Perspektive im Land. Emran Feroz ist als Journalist immer wieder im Land unterwegs. Für uns reist er drei Jahre später den Geschichten von Amir, Abdul und den anderen Abgeschobenen nach
Auf seiner zweiten Flucht beibt Abdul mit seiner schwangeren Frau im berüchtigten Lager Moria auf der griechischen Insel Lesbos hängen. Amir und Khayesta versuchen derweil alles, um für ihre Ausbildung nach Deutschland zurückzukehren.
Tausende Euro Abschiebekosten, Ausbildungsvertrag, Visaanträge und Behördengänge in Deutschland, Indien und Pakistan: Wer zurück nach Deutschland möchte, muss viele Hürden überwinden. Alleine schafft das kein Abgeschobener.
Language(s): Deutsch / German
16.06.2021
Greece: Pushback of migrants? - Arte Reportage
Within just a year, the new Greek government has drastically reduced migration into the country. Since last year, Human rights activists accuse her of violating asylum law with so-called “pushbacks”, the systematic illegal forcing back of potential asylum seekers by the Greek coast guard into Turkish waters.
If the Greek Coast Guard has indeed destroyed refugee boats and then sent the migrants from Greek waters back toward the Turkish coast, this would be, first, a violation of the law of the sea and the obligation to assist persons in distress at sea; and second, a violation of international and European law, including Article 3 of the Convention on Human Rights, which prohibits the refoulement of refugees. This Arte report explores the matter.
Language(s): Deutsch / German
05.05.2021
Lesbos:Illegal push-backs from land
In the Aegean, people in need of protection are no longer 'only' illegally and brutally intercepted and pushed back at sea, now even people who have already arrived on land are intercepted by "hooded men", dragged into vans and forcibly taken back to the open sea.
Recently Aegean Boat Report again reported a cruel push-back of a group of 53 people, including 3 pregnant women and 35 infants. As has been proven, they had arrived on Lesvos and were on their way to the village of Klio on foot. When the port police were informed by residents of their arrival, they tracked down the group and indicated that they would take the people to a quarantine camp. A few hours later, all of them, including the children, were abandoned on a life raft at sea and left to themselves.
Alice lives in the village of Klio and regularly witnesses people and children arriving in boats simply 'disappearing': "I want us to report this, to cause an outcry! We cannot let this happen!
Aegean Boat Report: "Over 30 children left drifting in a life raft by Hellenic coast guard."
Language(s): Deutsch / German
05.03.2021
Solidarity with Lorena Fornasir & Gian Andrea Franchi
+++Subtitles in English and German+++
On the morning of February 23, 2021, police raided the home of Lorena Fornasir, a 68-year-old psychotherapist, and Gian Andrea Franchi, an 84-year-old retired philosophy teacher. For years, both have been campaigning for the rights of refugees and migrants in the port city of Trieste, Italy. In 2019, they founded the volunteer organization "Linea d'ombra", which raises funds to support migrants in need. When people arrive at the borders, they provide them with food, clothing and medical care. They also travel to Bosnia monthly to help local migrants and activists.
This video was made in October 2020, before they were prosecuted & criminalized. It gives an insight in the work they do and their motivation. We as borderline-europe condemn the oppressive measures by the Italian State and moreover the EU which are trying to systematically pursuit and criminalize NGO's, activists and people on the move.
Solidarity is not a crime!
Language(s): Italienisch / Italiano