We are facing concrete walls, both Europeans and people stuck in refugee camps. We haven’t been able to uphold humanitarian values. Let it be known. Let’s make this wall meaningful. Let’s talk of shame. Conversations are the remedy, connection is the solution.
by Nick; illustration by Jellie Goedhart
with N., from Afghanistan
with N., a young Afghani coming from Iran, met in Bira camp (Bosnia) but now staying in Lipa camp
with N., a young Afghani coming from Iran, met in Bira camp (Bosnia) but now staying in Lipa camp
with S., 24, from Pakistan, met in Bira Camp, Bihać, Bosnia.
I talked to many children and teenagers in the refugee camps in Bihac, and listened to so many horrifying stories of violence in their home countries, but also along the way, and the fact that they are still not reunited with their families/relatives in European countries because of bureaucracy is really upsetting. I feel ashamed.
I feel ashamed that with all our activism, lobbyism, politics and protest, we haven’t been able to make Europe keep up the human values.I feel it when I talk to this Egyptian kid at a campfire in an empty factory, or the Afghan boy in a terrible refugee camp, I feel shame ‘cause we Europeans have failed miserably. Towards them.
People who tried to escape death asked me why we don’t want them – I felt, and still feel, ashamed.
