For refugees on the harrowing road to Europe, their iPhone can be a lifeline.
BBC Media Action released a video this week capturing a fictional refugee’s dangerous trek from Syria to Turkey to Europe ― all through his iPhone screen.
When a viewer watches the video on mobile, the refugee’s screen takes over the viewer’s, bringing him immediately ― and intimately ― into the journey, from seeing the refugee’s location move on a map to receiving texts from dad.
The video was created by BBC Media Action, based on interviews it had conducted with 66 refugees from Afghanistan, Syria and Iraq, in camps in Greece. They focused on the communication challenges they faced.
The research found that internet, mobile networks and social media are critical to helping migrants feel connected to family and informed about the journey ahead.
The video takes the viewer from Syria to Europe, following a common route for refugees. It tells a story that could represent any one of the almost 5 million Syrians displaced in the region, and the more than 1 million seeking asylum in Europe, often living in dire conditions in camps along the way.
Refugees are most eager to know the status of border crossings that they will need to traverse.
Border closings in countries like Hungary and Macedonia have left thousands of refugees stuck in impossible conditions in the last two years. They often wait indefinitely to continue on the popular migrant route to northern Europe.
Refugees said they often lacked key information on border closings, because of limitations in technology and an inability to find trustworthy sources. There aren’t enough reputable agency workers on the ground, so they often have no choice but to turn to smugglers for help.
The video also depicts the inherent dangers of crossing the Mediterranean.
Thousands of migrants have died in shipwrecks over the last two years while trying to make the harrowing journey across the sea to Europe.
Refugees expressed the need for more staff at camps who speak relevant languages. There’s a dearth of legal advisers to give refugees information on asylum-seeking and a desperate need for free wi-fi in all camps, they said.
To support Syrian refugee children, donate here:
Related
Before You Go
