Migrant stories: the people behind the debate
- Text by Robin Nierynck
Mediterranean migration has long been a controversial issue but the debate developed an unprecedented urgency following the deaths of more than 750 people on a boat crossing from Libya on April 19.
Politicians and governments are struggling to come up with viable solutions to a problem that has been neglected and generalised for too long. Yet, despite the increased attention, a fundamental aspect of migration has been widely overlooked.
When we talk about ‘migrants’, ‘immigrants’, ‘refugees’ and so on, what we are discussing first and foremost is human beings, each with stories of their own, all too often tragic ones. The people risking their lives in these harrowing journeys, and the complex issues forcing them to do so, tend to be lost in top-down debates that are more concerned with abstract concepts like borders and economies.
These are just a few of the personal stories that go beyond the debate to remind us that people’s lives, not statistics, are at stake.
Hakim Bello
Refugee – Mare Nostrum
A short film on the realities of Mediterranean migration following the EU’s decision to abolish rescue operation Mare Nostrum. The film presents the personal side of the immigration story. As a refugee in the film explains, “People are not coming to see the beauty of Europe. Or to see the culture of Europe. We know it well and God bless it. We are running away from death.”
WARNING: contains graphic scenes.
Tatiana Kanga
Sans Papiers
Learning By Ear
You can donate to the UN Refugee Agency to support their work with migrants here.
Latest on Huck
The legendary trans artist & illustrator behind Drag magazine
A new book brings together pioneer Vicky West’s luminous illustrations of fantasy, femininity and fashion.
Written by: Miss Rosen
Why did police taser a Bristol grandfather in the face?
Trailblazing documentary I Am Judah chronicles community champion Ras Judah Adunbi’s horrific treatment at the hands of the police and his fight for justice.
Written by: Maisy Hunter
In photos: Ghana’s complex e-waste industry
A new exhibition explores the country’s huge, unregulated industry, which can be hazardous to workers’ health and the local enviroment, yet provides economic opportunity to many.
Written by: Isaac Muk
Meet Corbin Shaw, Huck 81’s Artist in Residence
The Sheffield born artist talks about the people and places that shaped his practice for the latest issue of Huck.
Written by: Josh Jones
The Blessed Madonna: “Dance music flourishes in times of difficulty”
The DJ talks about her debut album ‘Godspeed’, connection and resistance on the dance floor, the US election and more alongside exclusive pictures from her album release party.
Written by: Ben Smoke
Revisiting the birth of skate culture in 1970s Los Angeles
New photobook ‘Last Days of Summer: California Skateboarding Archive 1975–1978’ looks back at an iconic chapter of youth culture.
Written by: Miss Rosen