Migration Media Award: Third Place, Television Category (English)
Name: Anna Domanska
Media: Political Critique, Poland
Date of Publication: March, 2017
Title: The First Anniversary of the European Borders Closure
Short summary: Since the Balkan route from Greece to northern Europe was shut down in March 2016 and with the additional strains of the EU-Turkey deal on 18th of March 2016, more than 62,000 refugees and migrants have been stranded in Greece, while new boats continue to arrive. European countries have relocated only less than 10000 amid continuing deep divisions over how to deal with the crisis. Thousands of men, women and children are facing a very uncertain future with very little information available to them, as they languish in limbo. Many refugees suffer from emotional distress and most can see no improvement for the foreseeable future.
The story is told from the personal perspective of Joseph – Kurd from Syria that came to Greece in March 2016. Celebrating Newroz one year ago he was happy – he had found love on the way to Europe and made plans for the future. One year later he’s in very different condition.
His relocation application was rejected (by Lithuania) dough he fulfils all criteria. His girlfriend and her family were relocated to Netherlands on September (they met on Syria Turkish border a year ago, they supported each other and had fallen in love). Joseph lives in Skaramaga camp close to Athens with little hope to join his girlfriend. He suffers loneliness and depression and only training football with the Hope refuges FC buoys him up.
The First Anniversary of the European Borders Closure
Since the Balkan route from Greece to northern Europe was shut down in March 2016 and with the additional strains of the EU-Turkey deal on 18th of March 2016, more than 62,000 refugees and migrants have been stranded in Greece, while new boats continue to arrive.
No Title
No Description
