Experiences of Exile: The European Dream
Each year, the Art Collection’s exhibitions, events and workshops are directly inspired by the research of the University. This year the
A humanitarian emergency is unfolding across Europe. Over a million people have crossed the Mediterranean, fleeing war and persecution in Syria, Afghanistan, Iraq, Eritrea, Sudan and other countries. For all these people, embarking on such dangerous journeys seems the only way to ensure a better future for them and their children.
The current refugee crisis has exposed deep divisions within the 28-member European Union over what some fear could be a never-ending flow of asylum-seekers fleeing conflict in the Middle East and Africa. This has raised questions about the EU’s free movement laws. Germany and other European countries have already reintroduced selected border controls in order to cope with the incessant refugee streams. For the refugees, every border they pass brings them closer to their dream. The concept of border is very unclear for most of the refugees. Borders could be anything from a razor-wire, to a door of a lorry and the Aegean Sea.
Justice is all about equal opportunities and equal treatment. During the refugee crisis, justice has not been applied to people who are treated unequally because of their country of origin. People who have already experienced wars and terrorism in their own countries have now to face abuses of their human rights and even deportations from the EU. Justice is giving people the chance to a better life regardless of their religion, their country of origin or their colour, because no one chose to be a refugee.
Anna Pantelia
Anna Pantelia is a Greek photojournalist. She holds an MA Degree in International Communication and