Non permanent residence – GO! 2025 Nova Gorica – Gorizia

The project is aimed at us, European citizens who have not yet experienced war. We will create a sensorial theatre installation dedicated to border crossings. We will recreate the experience of a person travelling without a “real” passport, without a homeland, friends and relatives, the experience of many people migrating to European cities. Visitors will be able to engage with multi-sensory perception and intercultural content, they will have a wide variety of sensory and emotional experiences.

These stories coming from distant places were once just chapters in the book of our ancestors. But now it is we who are at the centre of these events. The refugee problem and the need to help those in need are right here in front of us every day, and we can no longer remain indifferent. Let us face it, this world is our home, and these stories are part of our reality.

But what about the future? Who knows, tomorrow we may find ourselves as those who seek refuge and help.

Slovenia/ Italy: Gorica – Gorizia tunnel

In 2017, the Bombi Tunnel served as a temporary shelter for many migrants, mostly from Afghanistan and Pakistan. The migrants who slept in the tunnel came from Germany, Austria and France after their asylum applications were rejected, and some of them were also issued with deportation orders. (Source: RŠ) At the end of the same year, they were transferred to asylum centres and other emergency shelters. (Source: Dnevnik).

Spain – Gran Canaria, part of the Canary Islands, is facing a major migrant crisis, with more than 15 000 migrants having arrived since the beginning of 2024. Local resources are under pressure as they have had to set up a number of migrant facilities, including rented housing and camps. The high number of unaccompanied minors in need of special care is also a challenge. Despite spending around £100 million to tackle the crisis, conditions in shelters remain poor, causing tensions. Local authorities have called for more solidarity from other Spanish regions and the EU, but cooperation has been limited.

Italy, Lampedusa – The migrant situation in Lampedusa has become extremely challenging, with more than 8,500 migrants arriving in a few days in September 2023, overwhelming the local infrastructure. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen visited the island and stressed the need for a common European response. The EU announced a 10-point action plan, including an increase in the presence of Frontex and the EUAA to better manage arrivals. Arrangements with countries such as Tunisia are meant to help prevent migrants leaving, but have been criticized for possible human rights violations. Despite efforts, the situation remains challenging as migrants continue to arrive due to political and economic problems in their home countries.

Migrant women working as domestic workers in Spain often face exploitation and modern slavery. Their lack of formal education and skills makes them particularly vulnerable to forced labour, abuse and trafficking. Many women work in the informal sector, where they are without rights and protection, leading to poor working conditions and exploitation. Legal requirements, such as obtaining a temporary work contract, further complicate their integration and increase their vulnerability. Organizations such as the Global Fund to End Modern Slavery are working for systemic changes to reduce the exploitation of women workers and provide better regulation and protection mechanisms.

Slovenia has introduced temporary facilities at the border with Croatia to deal with migrants, as local police stations are unable to cope with the increased number of arrivals. The authorities have stepped up cooperation with other countries, such as Croatia and Italy, to curb migrant flows through the region. The country also faces challenges in tackling criminal networks involved in migrant smuggling, where international cooperation is crucial. In addition, tensions and sporadic protests occur, but remain mostly low-key and peaceful.

SLOVENIA

LJUBLJANA – Ambasada Rog 

Eurodac (slo)

INFO KOLPA

 Amnesty International Slovenija

Stories  UNHCR Slovensko

 

INTERNATIONAL

Border Violence Monitoring Network

IOM – International Organisation for Migration

Black book of pushbacks vol. 1

Black book of pushbacks vol. 2

Statistics on migration to Europe

 

ITALY GORIZIA   Insieme con Voi – Gorizia Solidale 

ITALY TRIESTE – ICS – Consorzio Italiano di Solidarietà

 

SPAIN – Gran Canaria – Mama Africa Foundation

SPAIN – PorCausa fundation

SPAIN – Observatorio ‘Jeanneth Beltrán’ sobre Derechos en Empleo de Hogar y de Cuidados.

SPAIN – Interdependientes

 

GERMANY – Berlin – Verein für aktive Vielfalt e.V.

 

E-ERIM an online network of keywords of the European irregularized migration regime at the periphery of the EU

EURODAC

FRONTEX

DUBLIN REGULATION

The UN Refugee Agancy

 

Afganistan Reddit

Africa Reddit

Gaza Reddit

Ukraina Reddit

 

WE RECOMMEND WATCHING

DOCUMENTARY FILMS

2023

  • No Other Land – Palestinian and Israeli activists document the expulsion of Palestinian families from their homes.

2022

  • The Territory – Depicts indigenous people fighting for their land, drawing parallels with refugee struggles.
  • Eternal Spring – About the persecution of dissidents fleeing repression.

2021

  • Shadow Game – Follows underage refugees attempting to cross European borders from Syria, Afghanistan, and Iraq.
  • Captains of Zaatari – Two Syrian refugees in Jordan’s Zaatari refugee camp dream of becoming professional footballers.
  • President – Chronicles the Venezuelan migrant crisis, highlighting similarities with Middle Eastern crises.

2020

  • The Cave – Focuses on Syrian medical staff working in an underground hospital during the war.
  • The Longest Voyage – Stories of refugees traveling to Europe and facing integration challenges.

2019

  • For Sama – A personal diary of a Syrian girl documenting the war in Aleppo and her refugee journey.
  • Midnight Traveler – An Afghan filmmaker records his family’s journey from Afghanistan to the West.
  • Gaza – An intimate portrait of everyday life in Gaza under Israeli occupation.

2018

  • Lifeboat – Documents refugee rescue missions in the Mediterranean.
  • The Silence of Others – Though focused on Spain, it explores exile and persecution, paralleling Middle Eastern experiences.

2017

  • Human Flow – Ai Weiwei captures the global refugee crisis with breathtaking cinematography, including the Middle East.
  • City of Ghosts – Follows Syrian journalists exposing ISIS atrocities while being forced into exile.
  • Sea Sorrow – Vanessa Redgrave narrates modern refugee stories, drawing comparisons with historical migrations.

2016

  • Fire at Sea (Fuocoammare) – Highlights Lampedusa, an island receiving many Syrian and other refugees.
  • The Crossing – Follows a group of Syrian refugees on their Mediterranean journey.
  • Exodus: Our Journey to Europe – A BBC series documenting refugees’ journeys to Europe from their own perspectives.

2015

  • The Land Between – Chronicles migrants trapped in Morocco while trying to reach Europe.
  • Born in Syria – Follows Syrian children escaping war and adjusting to life in Europe.

2014

  • Born in Gaza – Explores the lives of children growing up in war-torn Gaza.

2013

  • The Missing Picture – Though about Cambodia, it highlights the experiences of war survivors and persecution.

2012

  • The War You Don’t See – Examines media manipulation in reporting on wars and refugee crises.

2011

  • 5 Broken Cameras – A Palestinian documentary about Israeli occupation and its impact on civilians.

2010

  • Tears of Gaza – A brutal depiction of the war in Gaza and its effects on civilians.