A project of ReFOCUS Media Labs journalism program.

“FRACTURED” is an informative podcast about the most important events AND challenges related to refugees and migration flows in the world with a special focus on Europe.

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FRACTURED SEASON 04

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S03E13 - PYLOS SHIPWRECK: TRAGEDY FOR THE DEAD AND THE SURVIVORS

S03E11 - BURIED IN THE BALKANS

S03E10 - DUDE, WHERE'S MY HISTORY TEACHER? - Part02

GUEST: BILL VAN ESVELD
ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR, HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH

In the early morning of June 14, 2023, a severely overcrowded fishing trawler capsized close to Pylos in southern Greece leading to the death of more than 600 people. It had started its journey from Libya five days earlier with an estimated 750 migrants and asylum seekers, including children.

Only 104 of those onboard survived and 82 bodies were recovered. Survivors interviewed by Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch pointed to the actions of the Hellenic Coast Guard as a potential cause of the tragedy.

Nine months after this tragedy three parallel court cases and several inquiries are taking place but nobody has been named responsible for the shipwreck.

S03E12 - We’re here to remind you: decade of war in Ukraine

LIVE FROM SYNTAGMA SQUARE, ATHENS, GR
A DECADE OF WAR IN UKRAINE

On the second anniversary of Russia’s full scale invasion on Ukraine we join the Ukrainian community in Greece as they march through the streets of Athens to remind the world that there is an unprovoked and unfair war happening in Europe right now.

In our first field episode this season our guests highlight that the war started not two but ten years ago, and even though Russia seems a much stronger side of the conflict, it cannot end any other way but with Ukrainian victory.

GUESTS: ELENA MOUSTAKA and DAWOUD NOURI

Years after the onset of the refugee "crisis," the challenges persist, especially concerning the education of young refugees. While many refugee minors are enrolled in schools, the disparity in education compared to their Greek counterparts raises concerns. Understanding the intricacies of the system and the entitlements of these students is crucial, as it directly impacts their academic journey, often leading to high dropout rates.

Our community creator, Dawoud Nouri, an unaccompanied minor with refugee status, shares his first-hand experience with the Greek education system, shedding light on the obstacles faced by many in navigating the complexities. This episode aims to demystify the system, providing valuable insights for both refugees and those interested in the plight of these students.

Joining the discussion is Elena Moustaka, founder of Better Days and director of Gekko Schools. Her expertise adds depth to the conversation, drawing attention to the challenges faced by refugee minors and offering solutions for a more inclusive and equitable education system.

S03E09 - DUDE, WHERE'S MY HISTORY TEACHER? - Part01

GUESTS: ELENA MOUSTAKA and DAWOUD NOURI

In this episode of Fractured we do our best to understand how the Greek education system works or doesn’t work for refugee minors. It’s been several years since the beginning of the so-called refugee “crisis”, and even though many refugee minors are enrolled in schools, it doesn’t mean that they receive the same education as Greek children. Many remain confused by how the system really works, what they are actually entitled to, leading many to drop out.

The topic of this episode has been brought to our attention by a member of our community Dawoud Nouri, who as an unaccompanied minor with refugee status, has experienced the Greek education system in practice.

To add to his experience we invited Elena Moustaka -a founder of Better Days and director of Gekko Schools, winner of the 5th annual Global Entreps Awards as one of the 100 Best Practices in the world on Sustainability (UN SDGs).

S03E08 - END OF THE YEAR - HOME EPISODE

GUEST: STAVROS MALICHUDIS
SOLOMON- JOURNALISM IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST

An investigation by Solomon collective in collaboration with research group Lighthouse Reports, Der Spiegel, ARD, British newspaper "i", Radio Free Europe/ Radio Liberty, and esteemed academics captures the neglect of authorities to document deaths of asylum seekers on the Balkan route.

In this episode of Fractured we speak to Stavros Malichudis who investigated the deaths on the Balkan route to learn how difficult the body identification process is, how little resources are put into the proper documentation of the ones who died, and how much families of the deceased struggle to learn what happened to their loved ones.

GUESTS: ReFOCUS MEDIA LABS HOME TEAM

From a perspective of global conflict and intense suffering, 2023 has certanly been a year to say farewall to. But for us at ReFOCUS, we also have to look back on all we’ve achieved, especially within the evolution of our Fractured Podcast.

Join hosts Rasheed Ghalli- teacher assistant, media artist and Douglas Herman- cofounder of ReFOCUS Media Labs alongside special guests Eli Fazlollah, Athens lab coordinator and Visual Designer, Sude Fazlollah, Athens lab coordinator and media artist and Dawood Nouri, teacher assistant and media artist for an end of the year special episode! ✨🚀

S03E14 - THREE GENERATIONS OF PUNISHMENT: LINK- LIBERTY FOR NORTH KOREans

GUEST: SOKHEEL PARK
DIRECTOR OF RESEARCH & STRATEGY
SOUTH KOREA COUNTRY DIRECTOR- LINK (LIBERTY IN NORTH KOREA)

In 2023 only a bit less than 200 people managed to flee North Korea and resettle in South Korea. For years the most isolated country in the world has been blocking its citizens from traveling abroad and restricting journeys within its territory. Escaping this oppressive regime is not only very expensive but also extremely dangerous.

Many North Korean women are being sold as sex slaves or as brides to Chinese men. Fleeing North Korea also puts the lives of others at risk. The regime introduced a system known as "Three Generations of Punishment," which means that if one family member is found guilty of a political crime, their parents, children, and even grandchildren can also face imprisonment or exile to forced labor camps.

S03E15 - STOP THE BOATS: SUNAK SCREAMS FOR HIS RWANDAN DREAM

GUEST: KATY FALLON
JOURNALIST ON MIGRATION AND SOCIAL AFFAIRS
ALJAZEERA, THE GUARDIAN, THE NEW HUMANITARIAN

Despite being deemed illegal by multiple courts ranging from the European Court on Human Rights and the UK Supreme Court, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s Conservative government refuses to give up on their plan to forcibly deport asylum seekers to Rwanda. This, coupled with indefinite detention in centers notorious for outrageous criminal care and conditions, the UK remains a daily nightmare for anyone seeking asylum.

Either by design or indifference, the issue of migration has become a political football dominating the headlines and embarrassing debates between the Tories and Labour parties in the House of Commons and House of Lords. Whether anyone will be deported to Rwanda is about as uncertain as whether Sunak will even make it long enough to represent his Tories in the next election.

In this episode, Katy Fallon- veteran migration journalist (regular contributor to The Guardian, Aljazeera English, The New Humanitarian and The Telegraph) helps us unpack everything from the conservative push to “Stop the Boats”, age-assessments, detention center abuses, and why her childhood view across the English Channel from the white cliffs of Dover will never be the same again.

S03E16 - STILL STATELESS: ROHINGYA REFUGEES IN BANGLADESH

GUEST: SONIA AND DOUGLAS NANDZIK-HERMAN
JOURNALISTS, MEDIA ARTISTS- 1976KM

In this episode of Fractured we cover one of the largest yet almost completely forgotten crises in the world: the Rohingya people from Myanmar (Burma). Persecuted over decades in Myanmar they found shelter in neighboring Bangladesh, but no integration or even a refugee status has been officially offered.

This episode aims at bringing this topic closer to Western listeners and viewers. We discuss the conditions in Kutupalong and surrounding camps- the largest refugee camp in the world where a million Rohingya live, the reasons for their persecution, the genocide case against Myanmar in the International Court of Justice and much more.

We highly recommend not only listening but also watching the episode as you will get to see the situation in Kutupalong shot by Doug and Sonia back in 2018, and join us on Patreon for an extended conversation and photographic essays of the Rohingya people and the camp.

S03E17 - SOMEBODY’S WATCHING ME- SURVEILLANCE IN GREEK REFUGEE CAMPS

GUESTS:
LYDIA EMMANOUILIDOU- investigative journalist- NPR, New Humanitarian, Aljazeera
KUDEK STAVINOHA- investugative journalist and researcher- Univ of East Anglia

In this episode of "Fractured" we host investigative journalist Lydia Emmanouilidou and researcher from the University of East Anglia, Ludek Stavinoha, who much to the dismay of Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis have definitely "...been to Samos."

Their reporting on the systems of surveillance in use, and policies that continue to deprive asylum seekers of international human rights, prove these camps in Greece are far from "modern, humane and safe."

Even the European Commission, which funded their creation, is investigating inhuman conditions, human rights violations, and privacy concerns on how people are surveilled and information is secured.

Also join us on Patreon for an extended discussion with Lydia and Ludek on their award-nominated works for the 2024 European Press Prize.

S03E18 - everywhere you go someonE is home- hailey sadler & the home collective

GUEST:
HAILEY SADLER National Geographic Photojournalist, and Cofounder- The Home Collective

In this episode of "Fractured" we host National Geographic Explorer Photojournalist Hailey Sadler who has worked across the Middle East, Africa, Southeast Asia, and the U.S. Her work explores themes of trauma, memory, and identity through the psychological and emotional experiences of conflict and forced displacement.

Hailey is also a Co-Founder of The Home Collective, a global collaborative bringing together academics, scientists, community leaders, and new generation storytellers to create multidisciplinary research and visual projects exploring the intersection of home with geopolitical issues from conflict to climate.

Also join us on Patreon for an extended discussion with Hailey on her impressive work with The Home Collective. https://www.patreon.com/refocusmedialabs

GUEST:
JORDAN SIEGEL- Photojournalist and Filmmaker

Where in the world at this moment is the largest displacement taking place? Would you guess that it’s Sudan? Probably not as the media reports very little, if any, about the conflict that forced millions of people to leave their homes. As the civil war in Sudan enters its second year, the two warring factions, SAF and RSF, remain locked in a deadly power struggle, with the civilians bearing the consequences.

Since the conflict began on April 15, 2023, around 15,000 people have been killed, and more than 8.2 million have been displaced. Nearly 2 million displaced Sudanese have fled to unstable areas in Chad, Ethiopia, and South Sudan, overrunning refugee camps. Most however have been internally displaced in Sudan. All of them are in need of humanitarian aid, which is extremely scarce.

In today's episode, Jordan Siegel, who was one of very few journalists who managed to enter Sudan and work independently, brings us closer to the situation on the ground.

Also join us on Patreon for an extended discussion with Jordan on her impressive work. https://www.patreon.com/refocusmedialabs

S03E20 - NO ONE SHOULD GROW UP IN A REFUGEE CAMP- KAYRA MARTINEZ

SPECIAL GUEST:
KAYRA MARTINEZ- Founder- Love Without Borders

Greece struggles with a serious housing crisis. Walking down the streets of Athens you will notice many homeless people. Many of them are refugees and asylum seekers who after receiving their asylum decision were forced to leave the camp within 7 days. Without any integration classes in camps, and very rare Greek lessons, most people find it extremely difficult to find a new accommodation and even harder to convince the owner to rent it to a person with a refugee background. Sadly there are no structural solutions, and there are very few services addressing this issue.

In this episode we are talking with Kayra Martinez - a founder of Love without Borders. This small NGO found an interesting way to support people in need of housing. Listen to their unique story.

On this International Refugee Day tune in on YouTube, Spotify, Apple and Google Podcasts on Thursday, June 20th.

S03E19 - Sudan’s Invisible War- Jordan Siegel

S03E21 - meals with dignity (FOOD SCARCITY IN GREECE) - evelina eskenazi

SPECIAL GUEST:
EVELINA ESKENAZI-
Founder, Director: SAFFRON KITCHEN PROJECT

Food insecurity comprises a major global public health threat. Its effects are detrimental to the mental, physical, and social aspects of the health and well-being of those experiencing it. According to the Food Insecurity in Greece and Across the Globe report, more than 900 million people worldwide experience severe food insecurity, with future projections showing increasing trends.

One of the most vulnerable groups experiencing food scarcity are refugees and asylum seekers. The issue lies not only in the amount of food but also its quality. The food distributed in refugee camps lacks nutritious values and is far from being sufficient. This impacts refugees' everyday life but also their future as the lack of sufficient and nutritious food during early childhood has serious long-term negative implications on children's physical and cognitive development.

In today’s episode we discuss not only the problem, but also one of the solutions. Evelina Eskenazi - the Founder and Director of the Saffron Kitchen Project in Athens, GR describes their approach to serving nutritious and dignifying meals.

SPECIAL GUEST:
HAMAD ALSHAMSI - NYUAD ( New York University- Abu Dhabi )

FRACTURED TEAM:
RASHEED GHALLI
ELI FAZLOLLAH
DAWOUD NOURI

PREMIERES 18.07

Being a refugee means fighting many battles at the same time. A battle for a right to international protection, a battle for basic goods like food or clothing, a battle for maintaining your dignity in the most undignifying conditions, but also a battle to not lose your identity, your uniqueness and your passions. For our team members art was this safe refuge that helped in many hopeless situations, and is still the driving force behind their strength.

In an honest conversation with a NYUAD (New York University Abu Dhabi student, Hamad Alshamsi -our creators share stories of their journey to Europe and thoughts on fighting for education and creativity. We also discuss the power of a supportive yet. sometimes brutally honest community that can help you grow as a creator, but also as a human being. Enjoy listening to this slightly different format of Fractured, and let us know your thoughts on it.

S03E22 - ART as a REFUGE- Conversations with THE “FRACTURED” Team

SPECIAL GUEST:
ANNA ALBOTH
COFOUNDER- GRUPA GRANICA, PL

PREMIERE 03.10.24

In this compelling episode of Fractured, we delve deep into the ongoing refugee crisis at the Polish-Belarusian border. Our guest, Anna Alboth, a journalist and human rights activist, brings first-hand insights into this humanitarian disaster.

Anna has been working closely with refugees affected by this crisis and provides a unique perspective on the political, social, and human rights issues at play. Anna discusses the complex geopolitical dynamics between Poland and Belarus, and how this conflict turned vulnerable populations into political weapons. She shares stories from the ground about the harrowing conditions refugees face—trapped in no man's land, caught between militarized borders, and subjected to extreme weather, violence, and neglect.

Anna highlights the work of grassroots organizations, volunteers, and activists who are stepping in where governments have fallen short.

SPECIAL GUESTS: Anna Alboth - Activist, Journalist, Co-Founder of Grupa Granica

IMAGES FROM THE FIELD:
Karol Grygoruk- Photojournalist- RATS Agency, Poland
Douglas Herman- Photo/videojournalist- ReFOCUS Media Labs

FRACTURED SEASON 03

S04E01 - light your small candle SPECIAL GUEST: ANNA ALBOTH

SPECIAL GUEST:
PETRA MOLNAR
AUTHOR- “THE WALLS HAVE EYES”
Surviving Migration in the Age of Artificial Intelliegence

PREMIERE 17.10.24

In this conversation, Petra Molnar discusses the intersection of migration and technology, focusing on the implications of surveillance technologies, data colonialism, and the automation of immigration
processes.

She highlights the role of Israel in the global surveillance tech market, the testing grounds for these technologies, and the politics of fear that shape migration policies. Molnar also emphasizes the need for technology to assist rather than control migrants and shares insights from her upcoming book on community resistance.

S04E02 - THE WALLS HAVE EYES SPECIAL GUEST: PETRA MOLNAR

SPECIAL GUEST:
BEN RAWLENCE

AUTHOR- “CITY OF THORNS: 9 Lives in the World’s Largest Refugee Camp”
FOUNDING DIRECTOR- Black Mountains College, UK

PREMIERE 31.10.24

This conversation explores the experiences of refugees in the Dadaab camp, the motivations behind writing 'City of Thorns', and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. It highlights the challenges faced by refugees, the role of humanitarian organizations, and the complex dynamics within the camp, including safety concerns and the informal economy.

In this conversation, Ben shares his experiences and insights from his time in the Dadaab refugee camp, discussing the complexities of life for refugees, the cultural tensions between different communities, and the challenges faced by young leaders. He highlights the deteriorating conditions in the camp, the difficulties of returning to Somalia, and the misconceptions surrounding refugee needs in Western politics. Ben also reflects on the impact of his book and his ongoing efforts to support education and justice through initiatives like Black Mountains College.

S04E04 - lost, but not forgotten SPECIAL GUEST: james holeman & abby carpenter

SPECIAL GUEST:
JAMES HOLEMAN & ABBY CARPENTER

BATTALION SEARCH & RESCUE
(US-MEXICO Borderlands)

PREMIERE 14.11.24

In this episode, James Holeman and Abby Carpenter discuss their work with Battalion Search and Rescue, a humanitarian organization focused on finding missing migrants along the US-Mexico border. They share the origins of their organization, the challenges they face in their search operations, and the grim realities of migration, including the deadly consequences of current border policies.

The conversation highlights the importance of understanding the motivations behind migration and the systemic issues that contribute to migrant deaths. The conversation delves into the complex and often harrowing realities faced by migrants at the US-Mexico border, highlighting the impact of political changes on migration policies, the dangers encountered by children, and the role of militias.

S04E03 - city of thorns SPECIAL GUEST: ben rawlence

S03E07 - ON THE BRINK (AGAIN) - Civil Action in Lesvos, Greece - Part02

GUESTS: SILVIA LUCIBELLO and LORRAINE LEETE

According to the UNHCR, there are currently around 4400 asylum seekers on Lesvos. Despite over a thousand monthly transfers to the mainland, the island remains the epicenter of the refugee crisis. Conditions in Mavrovouni camp persist, and asylum procedures reveal growing gaps. With insights from Silvia Lucibello - Parea Center Lesvos and Lorraine Leete - Legal Centre Lesvos, we dive into the challenges, shedding light on the untold stories beyond the headlines. 🚢

Support our podcast and #ReFOCUS citizen journalism. Together, let’s amplify the voices often unheard. 💛

#LesvosReality #RefugeePerspective #PodcastAlert

S03E06 - ON THE BRINK (AGAIN) - Civil Action in Lesvos, Greece - Part01

S03E05 - SPACE TO BE A WOMAN: TRIPLE DISCRIMINATION IN GREECE

GUESTS: YULI FERNÁNDEZ AND MORÁN PÉREZ

In this episode we delve into the complex realities faced by the LGBTQi+ community in Cuba and Greece. How many layers of discrimination can one person carry?

Yuli says that she holds the worst possible combination in the world: “black, trans, sex worker”. On top of that she is a refugee and struggles with stigma related to that fact she had to flee her home. In a very honest conversation, Yuli and Moran from Safe Place International reveal all issues related to those multiple discriminations in Greece.

S03E04 - THIS IS HOW YOU ARE: THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH YOU

GUESTS: SULAH MAWEJJE and MASI ZHAKATA

In this episode we will embark on a powerful quest to understand the struggles and resilience of LGBTQ+ refugees in Africa.

Sulah Mawejje - Country director of Safe Place for Kenya, activist, and HIV/Aids advocate Masi Zhakata - Global director of the Dream Academy, human rights activist, and Executive director of Pachelu - LGBTQI+ people in Africa.

We’ll explore the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ communities in Uganda, Zimbabwe, and their journeys to find safety and acceptance. From the impact of anti-gay laws to the influence of religion, we’ll uncover the complexities of their experiences.

Join the conversation and learn about the need for sustainable and durable solutions for LGBTQIA refugees. Tune in and discover the stories that deserve to be heard. #FracturedPodcast #LGBTQRights #africa #humanrights

S03E03 - DISASTER ON TOP OF DISASTER- Earthquake Relief in Herat, Afghanistan

GUESTS: YASER TAHERI and ZOBAIR AHADI

Starting on October 7th multiple earthquakes devastated the Herat region of Eastern Afghanistan within a week. The final number of dead is still unknown as many bodies are still covered with dust after whole villages of poorly constructed clay houses have been destroyed.

The country is now facing an escalating humanitarian crisis, following on top of a collapsed economy and instability constantly deepening ever since the Taliban took over power in the country.

Yet the topic is heavily underreported. In this episode of Fractured our citizen journalists Yaser Taheri and Zobair Ahadi echo the International Red Cross appeal: “Let’s not add ‘forgotten’ to the long list of tragedies that this resilient nation has already endured.”

S03E02 - WHEN ART PROVOKES: FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION IN IRAN

GUEST: With Vassilis Koukalani- actor, theater director, activist, and star of the hit Apple TV+ series “Tehran.”

In S03E02 we go deep into the everyday reality of #Iranianartists and activists as well as refugees who fled to Greece. These Iranian artists not only create, but also provoke the government to change and understand their reasons for escaping their country.

According to the UNHCR data, 29,485 Iranians fled their country in 2022. A big part of this group were activists and artists who due to their activity couldn’t freely create in their homeland. Recently three award-winning filmmakers.

#MohammadRasoulof, #MostafaAleahmad and #JafarPanahi have been arrested in Tehran for “inflaming and disrupting the psychological safety of the community.” The film community, including the largest festivals, actively fights to release them.

S03E01 - ONE SOLUTION REVOLUTION

Fractured podcast season 3 now available in video- Watch now on youtube

GUEST: SHILA OMMI- Actor, activist and star of Apple TV show “Tehran, AND Eli Fazlollah- ARTIST AND ACTIVIST

In the first episode of Season Three of Fractured we cover the topic of the #women_life_freedom movement in Iran. #MashaAmini a Kurdish woman was killed by the morality police in Tehran on September 16th 2022. Morality police claimed that Mahsa died of a heart attack, however other women detained with her testified that she was treated very brutally by the police for resisting the assaults. The official reason for arresting Mahsa was the accusation that her hijab was not covering her hair enough, and that her jeans were too skinny.

Mahsa’s death started another wave of protests in Iran. Young people went out on the streets demanding democratic changes. The movement spread not only in Iran, but also outside throughout the world. The regime responded with brutal force arresting, torturing and killing many protesters. As the resistance grew, a widespread Internet blackout was imposed along with nationwide restrictions on social media.

We unpack an intense year of continuing protests with Shila and Eli, representing two very different generations of Iranian women fighting for freedom for their people.

FRACTURED: SEASON 2

Fractured-podcast-episode-12-season2-afghanistan 2 years of taliban regime

S02E12 - AFGHANISTAN: 2 YEARS OF TALIBAN REGIME

It’s been 2 years since the Taliban took over power in Afghanistan. Since then, the regime has faced international condemnation over the human rights situation, including restrictions they have imposed on women’s education. Afghanistan is also fighting a humanitarian crisis, with almost half of its population – 23 million people – receiving assistance from the world food programme last year. In this episode we are painting a picture of today's afghanistan two years into taliban regime.

S02E11 - EU’ S FORGOTTEN BORDER

Hundreds of witnesses have testified to the existence of “black sites” – places where people who came to Europe to claim asylum are denied any rights. In this episode we focus on an investigative piece by lighthouse reports which revealed that security forces along the bulgarian-turkish border are using secret facilities to systematically detain people seeking refuge before illegally deporting them, which is a clear violation of international law.

S02E10 - WORLD REFUGEE DAY

Every year on june 20th, the world celebrates World Refugee Day to "honor those who have been forced to flee”. At refocus we believe that day should focus on advocacy for refugee rights, which are very frequently overlooked or not acknowledged on purpose.
So today we are bringing several strong voices of people who went through the asylum process or are still in it. we want you to hear their thoughts on world refugee day, their situation and the process they went through. We want you to hear from them instead of about them.

S02E09 - IDENTIFYING THE UNIDENTIFIABLE

So far this year more than 1000 people have died or were categorised as missing while trying to cross to the european union through the mediterranean sea or one of the eu southern borders. many people who take this dangerous journey do not have any documents with them. When they die at the borders it is extremely difficult to identify them and then find their family to inform them about the tragedy. Forensic missing migrant initiative is one of very few organisations in the mediterranean region that tries to identify those who died while crossing by creating their specific profiles.
Guest: Dr Jan Bikker, Forensic Missing Migrant Initiative

S02E08 - PRISON FOR PAPERS

In the past several years, the detention of asylum seekers in Greece has transformed from a last resort measure into a standard procedure. Many asylum seekers spend months in pre removal detention centers without any knowledge why they have been detained or when they will be released. Recently, the mobile info team and the border violence monitoring network have published reports about the facilities, uncovering inhumane conditions and severe human rights violations.

S02E07 - LEGALISING ILLEGAL PUSHBACKS

On april 25th the lithuanian parliament passed legislation to make it legal to deny entry to asylum seekers. We know the country had already been engaged in pushbacks since at least end of 2021, when thousands of migrants and refugees — mainly from the middle east and Africa - were entering the european union via Lithuania, Latvia and Poland. Many human rights organisations as well as the European Court of Justice highlighted that pushbacks are an illegal procedure that violates international law. Lithuanian activists petitioned the president to veto the law, however their campaign failed.
guest: Dalia Krapavitskaitė, Sienos Grupė Illegal Migration Bill

S02E06- GUESTS OVERBOARD

Italy’s government has declared a six-month national state of emergency to cope with asylum seekers reaching its southern shores. The state of emergency was announced right after easter weekend, during which around 2,000 people arrived by boat on the italian island of Lampedusa. The only other time a state of emergency was activated over migration in Italy was in 2011 under the Berlusconi government in the wake of the Arab spring. 2 out of those six are minors and were sentenced to five years imprisonment by the Juvenile Court on Lesvos in March 2021. The other 4 were sentenced to 10 years. The conviction was based on testimony of one individual whom the authorities claim can’t locate any more.

S02E05 - REFUGEES NOT WELCOME

Last year the UK government proposed a scheme which would deport asylum-seekers who have entered the country illegally to their home countries or to have their asylum claims handled in rwanda. The first deportation flight was blocked by an injunction from the European Court of Human Rights. London’s high court ruled in december that the scheme was legal, however human rights defenders are seeking to appeal it. And just recently the government introduced the so called illegal migration bill, which except for the controversial rwanda deal proposes a series of measures to tackle migration to the UK, including detaining asylum seekers in military bases.

S02E01 - CITIZEN OF MORIA

“Citizen of Moria” - a documentary by Jawad Mir and Ahmad Ebrahimi presents Ahmad’s experiences in Moria camp as an asylum seeker but also as a filmmaker who had to flee Afghanistan leaving his whole life behind. Moria camp burned down back in 2020, but for years it has been a symbol of the lack of respect for human dignity. In this episode of Fractured Ahmad Ebrahimi and Jawad Mir describe how they experienced that place and discuss the responsibility for the situation in Moria and similar places.

You can watch “Citizen of Moria” on demand on: https://vimeo.com/ondemand/citizenofmoria

Episode hosted by Sonia Nandzik-Herman
Guests: Ahmad Ebrahimi, Jawad Mir
Edit: Majid Bakhshi
Production: Sonia Nandzik-Herman and DouglasHerman
Music: ES_No Time for Fear - Christian Andersen on Epidemic Sound

S02E02 - FREE HUMANITARIANS

Humanitarian action in the Mediterranean has been increasingly criminalized over the last five years. France and Italy have forbidden citizens from giving food, water, and shelter to refugees and migrants. Hungary passed the “Stop Soros” law, criminalizing individuals and NGOs helping migrants claim asylum, Salvini…
the assumption that humanitarian aid provides a “pull factor” for refugees and migrants. Yet all evidence available, gathered by Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), shows that there is no link between such aid and increase flows of people.
A recent report by the Research Social Platform on Migration states that as of December 2019 there have been at least 60 cases, involving at least 171 individuals in 13 Member States: Belgium, Croatia, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the UK. The majority of cases are in Greece, Italy and France.
-Only four EU Member States (Germany, Ireland, Luxembourg and Poland) are in line with the UN standards requiring proof of a material benefit in smuggling prosecutions

S02E03 - BRAVERY: MADE IN UKRAINE

Russia initiated a full-scale invasion on Ukraine almost exactly a year ago. As an outcome of the aggression more than 8 milion ukrainians had to flee to other countries. 4,8 mln of them have been registered for temporary protection or a similar national protection scheme in Europe. Most of them went to Poland, which currently hosts more than 1,5 mln refugees from Ukraine. in addition, 5,3 milion ukrainians are internally displaced. There hasn't been a single ukrainian whose life wouldn't be affected by this aggression.

S02E04 - DISASTER DESIGNED

In september 2020 the most infamous refugee camp in Europe burned almost completely. 14 000 people living inside Moria have yet again lost everything. After 5 days the greek authorities declared that they had found people guilty of this crime and soon will put them on trial. Those 6 young Afghan men are now known to the world as Moria 6. However there are many question marks in the prosecutor's argumentation, which is based on testimonies of one individual that police couldn't locate at the moment of the trial. Forensic architecture prepared a comprehensive report on the two days of the fire using high level expertise and sources available from multiple sources. The report questions the testimonies of the alleged witness and may me a crown evidence in releasing the moria 6.

FRACTURED: SEASON 1

S01E06 - EVEN AFTER DEATH - PART 01

DESPITE THE FACT THAT OFFICIAL STATISTICS SHOW THE DECREASE IN NUMBERS OF PEOPLE REACHING THE EUROPEAN UNION THROUGH THE MEDITERRANEAN, ASYLUM SEEKERS GO ON THIS DANGEROUS JOURNEY EVERY DAY. MANY DON’T MAKE IT.

ACCORDING TO THE UNHCR DATA 478 PEOPLE HAVE ALREADY BEEN DECLARED DEAD OR MISSING IN THE MEDITERRANEAN SINCE THE BEGINNING OF 2022 UNTIL APRIL 20TH. WE CLOSED 2021 WITH ALMOST 2000 DEATHS, WHICH WAS NOT A BIG NUMBER COMPARED TO 2016. OVER 5000 PEOPLE DIED IN THE MEDITERRANEAN THEN. ONE OF THE MOST DIFFICULT ISSUES IS THE BODY IDENTIFICATION OF A DECEASED REFUGEE.

AS MANY CROSS THE SEA ALONE AND WITHOUT ANY DOCUMENTS, THEIR IDENTIFICATION IS ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE. IN THIS EPISODE OF FRACTURED WE COVER THE TOPIC OF DEATHS AT SEA AND THE INTRODUCTION OF A PROPER PROTOCOL FOR IDENTIFICATION AND BURIALS IN GREECE BASED ON “EVEN AFTER DEATH” DOCUMENTARY PRODUCED IN COOPERATION WITH @MINORITYRIGHTSGROUP.

S01E12 - ONE YEAR OF TALIBAN TERROR

ONE YEAR AFTER THE TALIBAN TOOK OVER POWER IN AFGHANISTAN MILLIONS BECAME UNEMPLOYED AFTER JOBS WITH FOREIGN EMBASSIES, MILITARIES AND NGOS VANISHED PRACTICALLY OVERNIGHT.
MALNOURISHED CHILDREN HAVE FLOODED KABUL’S HOSPITALS IN RECENT MONTHS AND MORE THAN HALF THE POPULATION FACES LIFE-THREATENING FOOD INSECURITY. YET, THE TALIBAN REGIME CELEBRATED LAST MONDAY AND ANNOUNCED AUGUST 15TH A NATIONAL HOLIDAY.
IN THIS EPISODE SONIA NANDZIK-HERMAN SPEAKS TO REZA ADIB, AN AFGHAN JOURNALIST AND FILMMAKER ABOUT EVERYDAY LIFE IN AFGHANISTAN ONE YEAR INTO THIS NEW/OLD REALITY. EPISODE HOSTED BY SONIA NANDZIK-HERMAN SPECIAL GUEST: SAID REZA HOSSINI ADIB EDIT: MAJID BAKHSHI

S01E11 - BYE BYE BOJO- “THEM’S THE BREAKS”

FRESH ON THE HEELS OF BORIS JOHNSON’S RESIGNATION AS PRIME MINISTER OF THE UK, WE REFLECT ON IMMIGRATION POLICY IN THE UK, HOW WE’VE GOTTEN TO WHERE WE ARE, WHAT BOJO’S RESIGNATION IMPLIES—AND WHAT IT DOESN’T.
SINCE EARLY MAY, THE UK HAS MADE A LOT OF NOISE WITH A NEW POLICY THAT IT DESCRIBES AS WORLD-LEADING, AND THAT MOST ADVOCATES DESCRIBE AS LUNACY: AN IMMIGRATION AGREEMENT WITH RWANDA, WHICH WOULD SEE EVERY ASYLUM SEEKER ARRIVING IRREGULARLY TO THE UK DEPORTED TO RWANDA. BUT BEFORE WE GET INTO HOW THE UK-RWANDA DEAL TIES IN WITH BORIS JOHNSON’S RESIGNATION WE LOOP BACK AND CONSIDER THE MODERN HISTORY. THERE ARE DECADES WORTH OF BAD DECISIONS, WISHFUL THINKING, PERVERSE INCENTIVES, AND POOR POLICY-MAKING, THAT HAVE CULMINATED INTO TURNING THE UK, AT ONCE, INTO A COUNTRY WITH A LARGE AND RELATIVELY WELL-INTEGRATED IMMIGRANT COMMUNITY, AND ALSO A TOXIC ENVIRONMENT IN WHICH TO BE AN IMMIGRANT—LET ALONE IN WHICH TO ARRIVE AS AN IMMIGRANT.
EPISODE HOSTED BY JOEL HERNANDEZ, PRODUCED BY SONIA NANDZIK-HERMAN, EDITED BY MAJID BAHKSHI AND DOUGLAS HERMAN, MUSIC BY EAMON KELLY.

S01E10 - “SWEET JAIL” - DEATHS IN MELILLA AND CEUTA

ON JUNE 24TH A GROUP OF APPROXIMATELY 2000 ASYLUM SEEKERS TRIED TO CROSS THE BORDER SEPARATING MELILLA - A SPANISH ENCLAVE IN MOROCCO. MORE THAN 500 PEOPLE MANAGED TO ENTER THE BORDER CONTROL AREA AFTER CUTTING A FENCE AND 130 OF THEM SUCCEEDED IN ENTERING MELILLA. ACCORDING TO THE LATEST REPORTS, 23 PEOPLE DIED WHILE TRYING TO CROSS TO THIS SPANISH ENCLAVE. SEVERAL INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTIONS HAVE SINCE DEMANDED AN INQUIRY INTO WHAT CAUSED THE DEATHS. A SPOKESPERSON FOR THE UN COMMISSION ON HUMAN RIGHTS CALLED ON SPAIN AND MOROCCO TO CONDUCT AN INDEPENDENT AND EFFICIENT INVESTIGATION AND TO HOLD THOSE RESPONSIBLE FOR WHAT HAPPENED ACCOUNTABLE.

IN THIS EPISODE OF FRACTURED WE’RE BRINGING YOU THE SITUATION IN CEUTA, MALILA’S SISTER SO TO SPEAK, SO YOU UNDERSTAND THE COMPLEXITY OF ISSUES IN SPANISH ENCLAVES IN MOROCCO.

S01E09 - MIXED MIGRATION HEBDO - YEAR IN REVIEW

IN THIS WEEK'S EPISODE OF FRACTURED, WE CELEBRATE THE FIRST YEAR OF MIXED MIGRATION—HEBDO BY REVIEWING THE BROAD TRENDS IN MIGRATION NEWS AND EVENTS, AND REFLECTING ON THE BROADER TRENDS THAT HAVE EMERGED SINCE MMH LAUNCHED IN MID-JUNE 2021 BY FRACTURED CO-HOST JOEL HERNANDEZ. BY LISTENING TO THIS EPISODE YOU WILL GAIN A DEEPER UNDERSTANDING OF THE REFUGEE SITUATION IN ASIA, AFRICA AND LATIN AMERICA AND AN OVERLOOK OF HOW THE MIGRATION SITUATION MAY CHANGE IN THE NEAREST FEATURE.

TO ACCESS MMH, REVIEW THE TRENDS DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODE, AND SUBSCRIBE, PLEASE VISIT ITS HOMEPAGE HERE: HTTPS://MIXEDMIGRATION.SUBSTACK.COM/

LISTEN TO FRACTURED ON SPOTIFY, APPLE PODCAST, GOOGLE PODCAST AND ANCHOR.

S01E08 - EVEN AFTER DEATH- PART 02

SINCE MARCH 2016, WHEN IT COMES TO THE REFUGEE SITUATION IN GREECE, MEDIA HAVE BEEN PREDOMINANTLY FOCUSED ON THE ARRIVALS AND LIVING CONDITIONS ON THE FIVE EASTERN AEGEAN ISLANDS HOSTING THE SO-CALLED HOTSPOTS. HOWEVER, AT THE SAME TIME, THE EVENTS TAKING PLACE ON THE LAND BORDER BETWEEN GREECE AND TURKEY IN THE NORTH-EAST EVROS REGION HAVE BEEN LARGELY OVERLOOKED. DESPITE A SMALLER NUMBER OF PEOPLE IN THE NORTHERN BORDER, CROSSING THE EVROS RIVER IS VERY DANGEROUS AND HAS RESULTED IN MANY DEATHS OVER THE YEARS.

THIS EPISODE OF OUR "FRACTURED" PODCAST IS ABOUT WHAT HAPPENS TO THE BODIES OF THOSE WHO DON’T MAKE IT?

THIS EPISODE AND ALL OTHERS NOW STREAMING ON SPOTIFY, APPLE PODCASTS, ANCHOR, GOOGLE PODCASTS, AND WHEREVER YOU TUNE IN.

S01E05 - EU CONFLICTED REFUGEE RESPONSES

THE EUROPEAN UNION HAS GIVEN UKRAINIANS ESCAPING THE RUSSIAN AGGRESSION A SPECIAL STATUS WITH UP TO 3 YEARS OF LEGAL PROTECTION, ACCESS TO THE LABOR MARKET AND SOCIAL SECURITY. THIS GENEROUS RESPONSE HOWEVER IS AN EXCEPTION, NOT A RULE. THE EU ASYLUM AND MIGRATION POLICY IS LACKING AMBITION ARGUING THAT WE CAN’T AFFORD GENEROUS RESPONSES TOWARDS REFUGEES. HOWEVER OUR RESPONSE TOWARDS UKRAINIANS DENIES THOSE ARGUMENTS. SO WHY CAN WE AFFORD BROAD SUPPORT FOR UKRAINIANS AND NOT TOWARDS OTHER NATIONALITIES?
LISTEN TO JOEL HERNANDEZ’S TAKE ON THIS ISSUE IN THE LATEST EPISODE OF "FRACTURED"

S01E07 - FRONTEX : AU REVOIR MONSIEUR LEGGERI

ON APRIL 29TH FRONTEX DIRECTOR FABRICE LEGGERI RESIGNED AS AN OUTCOME OF THE ACCUSATIONS OF THE AGENCY OF FACILITATING ILLEGAL PUSHBACKS IN THE MEDITERRANEAN.
OVER THE LAST TWO YEARS FRONTEX HAS CONSISTENTLY CLAIMED THAT ALL ITS OPERATIONS IN THE AEGEAN COMPLY WITH THE EU LAW AND THAT IT CONSISTED OF PREVENTING BOATS FROM CROSSING INTERNATIONAL BORDERS AND THEN ASKING THE TURKISH COAST GUARDS TO RESCUE PASSENGERS AND BRING THEM BACK TO TURKEY. YET OVER THE TIME IT BECAME CLEAR THAT IN MANY CASES FRONTEX WASN’T DOING JUST THAT BUT RATHER WAS HELPING TO INTERCEPT DINGHIES WITHIN GREEK WATERS AND THEN LOOKING THE OTHER WAY AS COAST GOURDS PUSHED THOSE DINGHIES BACK INTO TURKISH WATERS VIOLATING THE PROHIBITION ON NON-REFOULEMENT AND THE PROHIBITION ON COLLECTIVE EXPOSURE.
IN THE NEWEST EPISODE OF FRACTURED JOEL HERNANDEZ DESCRIBES WHICH OF FRONTEX ACTIONS WERE JUST MORALLY WRONG AND WHICH OPENLY AGAINST THE LAW AND HOW THEY LEAD TO MR LEGGERI’S RESIGNATION.

S01E04 - SPECIAL REPORT: FRO LVIV, UKRAINE

SINCE THE BEGINNING OF THE RUSSIAN AGGRESSION OVER FOUR MILLION UKRAINIANS HAVE FLED THEIR HOMELAND. SIX MILLION MORE ARE INTERNALLY DISPLACED, MANY LOOKING FOR SAFETY IN LVIV ON THE WEST SIDE OF THE COUNTRY. LVIV’S LOCATION ALLOWS IT TO BE A SAFE PORT FOR MANY, FOR OTHERS IT IS A POINT OF DEPARTURE. AS THE CITY HAS BEEN FAR FROM THE FRONT LINE, LIFE GOES ON LIKE IT DID BEFORE THE WAR….WELL, ALMOST.

DURING OUR NEEDS ASSESSMENT TRIP TO UKRAINE, TWO RESIDENTS OF LVIV: KRYSTYNA AND TARAS SHOW US AROUND, DISCUSS THE WAR SITUATION AS WELL AS EVERYDAY LIFE IN THE CITY THAT NOW HOSTS 300 000 MORE PEOPLE THAN JUST A MONTH AGO.

S01E03 - PUSHBACKS IN THE MEDITERRANEAN

WHILE JOURNALISTS AND HUMAN RIGHTS GROUPS HAVE DOCUMENTED #PUSHBACKS FROM GREECE TO TURKEY GOING BACK FOR DECADES, THE FREQUENCY OF PUSHBACKS HAS BECOME ALARMING IN THE LAST TWO YEARS. IN 2020 ADVOCATES BEGAN DOCUMENTING A NOVEL PRACTICE THAT'S BECOME KNOWN AS "DRIFTBACKS", A TYPE OF PUSHBACK WHERE #ASYLUMSEEKERS ARE DEPOSITED IN UNNAVIGABLE FLOATING LIFE RAFTS IN TURKISH WATERS AND LEFT TO DRIFT AT SEA.
LAST MONTH LIGHTHOUSE REPORTS ISSUED THE FIRST THOROUGHLY DETAILED REPORT DOCUMENTING AN EVEN MORE SINISTER PRACTICE, RELAYING TESTIMONY OF AN ASYLUM SEEKER WHO ATTEST EH WAS THROWN DIRECTLY INTO THE WATER BY GREEK COASTGUARD OFFICERS AND TOLD TO SWIM BACK TO TURKISH SHORES. THIS YOUNG MAN SAID HE WAS ONE OF THREE ASYLUM SEEKERS THUS SENT BACK. THE OTHER TWO DRIFTED BACK TO TURKEY AS LIFELESS BODIES.
FOR MORE IN-DEPTH WRITING SUBSCRIBE TO JOEL'S WEEKLY REPORT AT HTTPS://MIXEDMIGRATION.SUBSTACK.COM

S01E02 - SPECIAL REPORT: LEAVING UKRAINE

AS THE VIOLENCE AND HEAVY BOMBARDMENT BY RUSSIAN MILITARY FORCES ENTERED ITS SEVENTH DAY, THE QUEUES OF PEOPLE SEEKING REFUGE HAVE BEEN GROWING LONGER AT THE BORDERS OF POLAND, HUNGARY, MOLDOVA, ROMANIA AND SLOVAKIA. THE REFUGEES ARE ARRIVING BY CRAMMED-FULL TRAINS, CAR, AND EVEN ON FOOT. ALL NEIGHBOURING COUNTRIES HAVE DECLARED TO KEEP THEIR BORDERS OPEN FOR REFUGEES FLEEING UKRAINE. MOST HAVE FLED TO POLAND.

ACCORDING TO THE POLISH BORDER GUARDS, MORE THAN HALF A MILLION HAVE CROSSED SINCE FEBRUARY 24TH. IN THIS SPECIAL EPISODE OF "FRACTURED" WE ARE SPEAKING TO KSENIA AND EVANS, JUST TWO OF A MASSIVE WAVE OF PEOPLE WHO HAVE FLED UKRAINE IN THE FIRST PHASE OF THE CONFLICT.
FRACTURED

S01E01 - AFGHANISTAN: DISASTER UNFOLDING

HOSPITALS AND SCHOOLS CANNOT AFFORD TO PAY THEIR STAFF, AND MANY PEOPLE CANNOT AFFORD TO BUY FOOD, ADDING TO AN ALREADY DIRE HUNGER CRISIS. CAN THE HUMANITARIAN SITUATION CAUSE YET ANOTHER FLOW OF PEOPLE DESPERATELY LOOKING FOR ASYLUM IN THE NEIGHBORING COUNTRIES AND IN EUROPE? WHAT DOES AFGHANISTAN LOOK LIKE 6 MONTHS AFTER THE TALIBAN TOOK POWER?
UKRAINE: NEW REFUGEE CRISIS LOOMING?
AS A POTENTIAL RUSSIAN INVASION OF UKRAINE SLID FROM POSSIBLE TO PROBABLE, NATIONAL LEADERS IN THE NEIGHBORING EASTERN EUROPEAN COUNTRIES BEGAN ISSUING STATEMENTS AND ACTIVATING ACTION PLANS TO RECEIVE CROSS-BORDER ARRIVALS FROM UKRAINE. HOW MANY UKRAINIAN ASYLUM SEEKERS IS EUROPE WILLING TO WELCOME AND HOW DIFFERENT WOULD THE WESTERN REACTION BE TOWARDS UKRAINIANS IN COMPARISON TO THE ONE TOWARDS ASYLUM SEEKERS FROM THE SOUTH?

A project of ReFOCUS Media Labs journalism program. “FRACTURED” is an informative podcast about the most important events AND challenges related to refugees and migration flows in the world with a special focus on Europe.