Best ReFOCUS Media Labs Podcasts (2025)

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EXCLUDED FROM BIRTH TO DEATH. Solving statelessness in Thailand. Summer Short 03 13:08

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8d ago13:08

13:08

This was just a brief excerpt from a much larger conversation with Duniya Aslam Khan from UNHCR. You can WATCH FULL EPISODE HERE- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bMnrTIEY1dw&list=PLIU3A1qWAMTw2W9iCAhSddO3Rq_XkWTBc&index=33 In this episode we discuss the complex issue of statelessness, particularly in Thailand. Our conversation highlights the challe…

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'Lost But Not Forgotten' Search and Rescue on US-MX Border- Summer Shorts 02 14:29

14d ago14:29

14:29

This was just a brief excerpt from a much larger conversation with James Holeman and Abby Carpenter from Battalion Search and Rescue. You can WATCH FULL EPISODE HERE- • FRACTURED S04E04: LOST BUT NOT FORGOTTEN. ... In this episode, James Holeman and Abby Carpenter discuss their work with Battalion Search and Rescue, a humanitarian organization focu…

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"The Walls Have Eyes" Surviving Migration in the Age of AI- Summer Shorts 01 8:59

14d ago8:59

8:59

This was just a brief excerpt from a much larger conversation with Petra Molnar- Attorney, Anthropoligist and Author of "The Walls Have Eyes". You can WATCH FULL EPISODE HERE- • FRACTURED S04E02: THE WALLS HAVE EYES, Sur... In this conversation, Petra Molnar discusses the intersection of migration and technology, focusing on the implications of sur…

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HUMANITARIAN WATCH E07 1:12:23

28d ago1:12:23

1:12:23

In our last Humanitarian Watch before the Summer break we highlight four humanitarian topics worth following in the next month. The situation in Gaza is of course one of them but we also discuss massive problems in the West Bank, where Israeli settlers attack Palestinians and damage to Palestinian water wells. In addition we discuss the consequence…

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S04E22: “WIDOWED BY EUROPE'S BORDERS” A BORDER GRAVES INVESTIGATION 1:08:08

1M ago1:08:08

1:08:08

In the grainy constellation of pixels of the phone screen in her palm, from 8,000 kilometers away, she watched her husband disappear forever into the cold European soil.- Gabriela Ramirez Fetisov and Lorenzo Natali award-winning investigative journalist Gabriela Ramirez, discusses her investigative journalism story "Widowed by Europe's Borders” abo…

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DisInfo Watch 07: Impact of AI on Hot Wars 43:22

1M ago43:22

43:22

Investigative journalist Nick Muller is back on "The “Watch” to unpack the overwhelming chaos of information in today's digital landscape. The challenges faced by fact-checkers are unparelled amidst a barrage of misinformation, particularly during times of conflict, and perhaps for the first time decisions made during “hot wars” are impacted by AI …

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S04E21: TIK TOK MIGRATION. Understanding the Migration Trends in West Africa 59:12

2M ago59:12

59:12

In this episode of Fractured we discuss the complexity of migration dynamics in West Africa, particularly focusing on Senegal and Mauritania. Monika Prończuk, a correspondent for the Associated Press, discusses the increasing trends of migration, the push factors driving individuals to leave their homes, and the role of smugglers in facilitating th…

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DisInfo Watch 06: Spotlight on Iran 1:08:23

2M ago1:08:23

1:08:23

There's a lot to unpack in the wake of Israel's attack on Iran, the regime's response, Trump's unprecedented decision to bomb Iranian nuclear sites, bold talk of forced regime change, and now a tentative cease-fire. Most importantly, what does all this mean for the 90 million Iranians still struggling for a normal life under a repressive regime? In…

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S04E20: PALESTINIAN CHILDREN UNDER SIEGE. The Breach of International Law in Gaza 48:02

2M ago48:02

48:02

In this episode of Fractured we cover the humanitarian crisis in Gaza again, focusing on the catastrophic conditions faced by civilians, particularly children. Our guest Patrizia Benvenuti, who served on several missions in Gaza shares her insights on the challenges of delivering humanitarian aid, the psychological impact on children, and the syste…

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Disinfo Watch 05: World Refugee Day: UNHCR Report Quizzo 58:34

2M ago58:34

58:34

Do you know how many refugees there are worldwide? How many asylum seekers in Greece? Which five conflict zones make up 70% of all refugees? Think there are 500 million African refugees "storming the beaches of Europe? Depending on who you listen to, or where you get your news you may be wildly misinformed of the true reality. On this World Refugee…

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S04E19: GREEK COAST GUARD ON TRIAL. Two years since the Pylos shipwreck 50:38

3M ago50:38

50:38

Two years after the devastating Pylos shipwreck that claimed over 600 lives off the Greek coast, we take a closer look at what has changed—and what hasn’t. Our expert in the episode is an independent journalist Lydia Emmanouilidou, who has extensively investigated the incident and its aftermath. In this conversation, we unpack the latest legal and …

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HUMANITARIAN WATCH E06 35:06

3M ago35:06

35:06

In this episode of Humanitarian Watch we bring you the latest news on how cutting off humanitarian funds impacts the global food crisis and organisations supporting women in conflict zones. In addition we talk about an interesting link between overfishing in Senegal and migration. To end the episode we bring you an update from Greece on evictions f…

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S04E18: STILL DESTROYED AND DISPLACED. Gaza before and after the cease fire collapsed 59:17

3M ago59:17

59:17

As we wake up every day to the news of the deplorable situation in Gaza we’re bringing you one more time the expertise of Bill Van Esveld from Human Rights Watch. We focus predominantly on education as the estimates say it could take up to 14 years to rebuild it. In this episode we also touch on the situation in the West Bank and how it could be a …

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DISINFO WATCH E04: If I Was A Dictator 33:57

3M ago33:57

33:57

In our latest episode of Disinfo Watch, Rasheed, Eli and Doug engage in a provocative discussion about the concept of dictatorship, exploring various ideas on how to address social issues such as racism and the mistreatment of refugees. We take a humorous yet dark turn as we propose some outrageous solutions, including a reality show for rehabilita…

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S04E17: RETURNING HOME. Hope and Resilience in a Post-War Syria 1:18:22

4M ago1:18:22

1:18:22

In this episode we dive into the complexities of the Syrian crisis through the eyes of Abdulazez Dukhan, a Syrian photographer who has navigated the challenges of displacement and return. Abdulazez shares his personal journey from Syria to Belgium, his emotional return to a war-torn homeland, and the ongoing geopolitical struggles that affect the f…

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HUMANITARIAN WATCH E05 27:01

4M ago27:01

27:01

In this episode of Humanitarian Watch we bring you the latest news from the UK, which adopted new solutions for housing for asylum seekers. We also discuss how Italy sends rejected asylum seekers to Albania. In addition we present some news from Pakistan and Cyprus. Learn more: UK to Remove Hundreds of Asylum Seekers from Hotels https://www.theguar…

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S04E16: WANTED: HAVE YOU SEEN THIS MAN? Exposing Australia’s Nauru Refugee Camp 41:40

4M ago41:40

41:40

In this episode of Fractured we discuss the complex issues of Australia's asylum policies, particularly focusing on the detention of asylum seekers on Nauru and Manus Island. Our guest - Ben Doherty shares insights into the barriers faced by independent journalists, the dire humanitarian conditions in detention centers, and the historical context o…

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DISINFO WATCH E03: Eroding Faith In Traditional Journalism 34:23

4M ago34:23

34:23

Check out the second part of our Disinfo Watch with Nick Muller on how to bring back the trust in traditional journalism. Is it even possible in this era of disinformation? You can get to know Nick’s views on this issue as well as some insides on his work as a fact-checker. SPECIAL GUEST: Nick Muller - journalist, fact checker, regular contributor …

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S04E15: FREEDOM FOR THE #MORIA6 The Legal Impact of Citizen Journalism, and Use of Modern Technologies 59:53

4M ago59:53

59:53

In this follow-up to our earlier episode on the #Moria 6 we discuss the critical development: three of the six Afghan teenagers have been acquitted of all charges. In this episode we examined not just a courtroom victory, but a deeper narrative of resistance, journalism, and the painstaking pursuit of truth. SPECIAL GUEST: Douglas Herman - ReFOCUS …

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DISINFO WATCH E02: The Origins of Mis & Disinformation 30:16

5M ago30:16

30:16

What is the difference between disinformation and misinformation? Are they both equally dangerous for democracy? Found out at our latest Disinfo Watch! Nick Muller talks about his experience in this area as a journalist and fact checker. SPECIAL GUEST: Nick Muller - journalist, factchecker, regular contributor to the Diplomat Fractured, Humanitaria…

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S04E14: JUSTICE FOR THE MORIA 6 Inside Greece’s Migrant Detention System 1:02:39

5M ago1:02:39

1:02:39

In this episode of Fractured we highlight the controversial trial that led to the conviction of co called “Moria 6”, the humanitarian crisis surrounding refugee camps in Europe, and the broader implications of migration policies. The guests, Jennifer Mallman and Alaa Dia, share insights from their experiences and research, emphasizing the need for …

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HUMANITARIAN WATCH 04 22:57

5M ago22:57

22:57

In this episode of Humanitarian Watch we bring you the information from the US, Mozambique and Myanmar. Join us to learn about the first policrisis in the world and the developments on Trump’s ban on immigration. And to balance the bad news we bring you an uplifting story from last year's paralympics in Paris. Learn more: Hunger Crisis in Myanmar: …

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S04E13: COMMUNITIES NOT CAMPS. Housing Crisis in Greece 59:47

5M ago59:47

59:47

For this episode of Fractured we invited Megan and Orsalia from Mazi Housing to discuss the housing crisis in Greece. This massive problem touches both Greeks and refugees. Megan and Orsalia explain this issue in detail and highlight that the right to housing should not be a subject to any other factors. Everybody should have a right to safe housin…

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HUMANITARIAN WATCH E03 27:14

6M ago27:14

27:14

In the second episode of Humanitarian Watch we bring you the information from the UK, Poland, Libya and Ghana. Join us to learn more about the initiatives to suspend the right to asylum and citizenship for refugees and about recently discovered massive graves. In this episode we also show you pictures from Buduburam camp in Ghana, which was demolis…

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S04E12: DESERT DUMPS. Outsourcing the Migration Problem to Africa 59:27

6M ago59:27

59:27

For a year journalists connected to the Lighthouse Reports investigated the treatment of asylum seekers and migrants in North Africa, particularly focusing on the roles of various governments and militias in facilitating deportations and human rights abuses. In this episode one of those journalists and a co-founder of Lighthouse Reports, Klaas van …

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DISINFO WATCH E01: Headlines: Fact or Fiction? 25:02

6M ago25:02

25:02

Check out our latest production! A Disinfo Watch is our answer to the spread of disinformation about refugees and asylum seekers in the media. In a light and funny format we point out the ridiculousness of some fake news regarding refugees. Play the game of Headlines with us and guess which ones are true and which are fake and check if you did bett…

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S04E11: DESTROYED AND DISPLACED. Gaza’s Lost Education System 1:03:22

6M ago1:03:22

1:03:22

In this episode we examine the daunting task of rebuilding Gaza’s education system—who will lead the effort, and how can the lack of teachers and schools be addressed? With estimates saying it could take up to 14 years to rebuild, how will education continue without the necessary infrastructure? We also touch on the situation in the West Bank and h…

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HUMANITARIAN WATCH E02 24:01

7M ago24:01

24:01

In the second episode of Humanitarian Watch we bring you the information about the International Criminal Court which seeks warrants for Taliban leaders, a tragic humanitarian situation in Congo and Trump cancelling the Afghan refugee resettlement scheme. We also show you the conditions of the safe zones for unaccompanied minors in a camp on Samos.…

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S04E10: CHANGING PERCEPTIONS. Tackling Racism, Anti-Muslim Hate, Antisemitism in the UK 1:10:29

7M ago1:10:29

1:10:29

In this episode, Amjid Khazir, founder and CEO of Media Cultured, discusses the organization's mission to combat hate through education and media. He emphasizes the importance of engaging youth, understanding the trends in radicalization, and the role of social media in spreading hate. The conversation also touches on the significance of cultural i…

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HUMANITARIAN WATCH E01 22:14

7M ago22:14

22:14

In our first episode of Humanitarian Watch Podcast we discuss the ECHR ruling on systemic pushbacks by Greece, the situation of asylum seekers deported from Libya to Niger, a new law in Afghanistan and an interesting story of a baby born on a dinghy on a way to Canary islands. Now you can listen to the Fractured podcast every week. We bring you eit…

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S04E09: MUSICAL CHAIRS. Refugee Movement Within The African Union 57:09

7M ago57:09

57:09

This episode explores the complex dynamics of refugees in Africa, focusing on the dual role of countries as both hosts and sources of refugees. It delves into the historical context of colonialism, the impact of external influences on current conflicts, and the humanitarian challenges faced by host countries. The discussion highlights the plight of…

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S04E08: CITIES UNDER PRESSURE. Tourism, Housing and Migration 1:36:19

8M ago1:36:19

1:36:19

This is a special episode of Fractured, a part of the Display Europe project on housing, migration and tourism. Journalists from around Europe discuss the main issues in the largest European cities. Have they become victims of their successes and good PR? How can the issues that attract tourists and migrants be solved without losing revenue? Can th…

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S04E07: F@CK THAT! 2024 Review - Home Episode. 1:20:35

8M ago1:20:35

1:20:35

For this holiday episode Sonia and Rasheed invited several members of the ReFOCUS Media Labs team to reflect on the major issues of 2024, including the humanitarian crisis in Sudan, the situation in Syria with political prisoners, the rise of polarization in society, and the dire state of women's rights in Afghanistan. We engage in a candid discuss…

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S04E06: EXCLUDED FROM BIRTH TO DEATH. Solving statelessness in Thailand 1:06:25

9M ago1:06:25

1:06:25

In this episode of the Fractured Podcast together with our guest Duniya Aslam Khan, an external relations officer at UNHCR, delve into the complex issue of statelessness. We discuss the global prevalence of statelessness, particularly in Thailand, and the recent developments regarding citizenship for stateless people. The conversation highlights th…

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S04E05: WIR SCHAFFEN DAS? Changes to Germany’s “Welcome Policy” 55:46

9M ago55:46

55:46

In this conversation, Sonia, Rasheed and Daniela Sepehri discuss the evolving refugee policies in Germany, the rise of far-right sentiments, and the implications of new laws on asylum seekers. Daniela highlights the historical context of Angela Merkel's welcoming stance towards refugees, the subsequent shift towards restrictive policies, and the al…

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S04E04: LOST BUT NOT FORGOTTEN. Deaths at US-Mexico Border 1:10:16

10M ago1:10:16

1:10:16

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 deadl…

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S04E03: City of Thorns. Inside Dadaab camp. 55:04

10M ago55:04

55:04

This episode of Fractured 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 concer…

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S04E02: THE WALLS HAVE EYES. Surviving Migration in the age of Artificial Intelligence 1:00:20

11M ago1:00:20

1:00:20

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…

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S04E01: LIGHT YOUR SMALL CANDLE A struggle for human rights on the Polish-Belarusian border 1:02:49

11M ago1:02:49

1:02:49

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 firsthand insights into this humanitarian disaster. Anna has been working closely with refugees affected by this crisis and provides a unique perspective on th…

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SUMMER SHORT 10: We’re Here to Remind You. A Decade of Wars in Ukraine 7:25

11M ago7:25

7:25

On the second anniversary of Russia’s full scale invasion on Ukraine we joined the Ukrainian community in Greece as they marched through the streets of Athens to remind the world that there is an unprovoked and unfair war happening in Europe right now. We learned about some direct ways of supporting Ukrainians who stayed in the country and some not…

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SUMMER SHORT 9: Buried in the Balkans 5:42

11M ago5:42

5:42

Through this Summer Short we would like to encourage you to learn more about the difficult topic of deaths on the Balkan route. We present to you some findings of independent investigative journalism which capture the neglect of authorities to document deaths of asylum seekers on the Balkan route. We speak to Stavros Malichudis who investigated the…

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SUMMER SHORT 8: Nobody Should be Growing Up in a Refugee Camp 2:48

12M ago2:48

2:48

Stating the obvious that children should not be growing up in refugee camps doesn’t change the reality that in Greece almost every child during the asylum procedure lived in deplorable conditions in island or mainland camps. And what comes next is frequently even worse as the homelessness problem in Greece increases. To close our Summer Shorts we’r…

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SUMMER SHORT 7: Everywhere You Go, Someone is Home 4:03

12M ago4:03

4:03

In this Summer Short we explore the topic of trauma, memory and identity through the psychological and emotional experience of conflict and forced displacement. Our guest is a National Geographic Explorer Photojournalist Hailey Sadler who has worked across the Middle East, Africa, Southern Asia and the US. Watch the whole episode here: Spotify: htt…

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SUMMER SHORT 6: Still Stateless 3:07

12M ago3:07

3:07

In this episode of our Summer Shorts ReFOCUS founders: Sonia Nandzik-Herman and Douglas Herman describe the situation of Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh. Despite being one of the largest forcibly displaced communities in the world, Rohingya haven’t seen any improvement to their situation for decades. Neither in their home Myanmar nor in countries h…

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SUMMER SHORT 5: Stop the Boats 9:36

1y ago9:36

9:36

The new UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer officially declared the “Rwanda Deal” dead. As we’re closely watching the actions leading to deem the deal null and void, we would like to remind you what was behind former PM Rishi Sunak’s decision to send asylum seekers to Rwanda in the first place. To explain this issue we invited an independent migration j…

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SUMMER SHORT 4: Pylos Shipwreck 2:30

1y ago2:30

2:30

Pylos shipwreck was one of the largest sea tragedies since 2015. Around 600 people have lost their lives yet as of today nobody has been named responsible for this tragedy. Bill Van Esveld - Associate Director at Human Rights Watch presents the survivors testimonies and describes the specificity of several investigations taking place in relation to…

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SUMMER SHORT 3: Space to be a Woman 7:49

1y ago7:49

7:49

This Summer Short on multiple layers of discrimination of transgender refugees is one of the most underreported stories we presented this season. Yuli - our guest describes how her gender, sexual orientation and her job impact her position in the society. Watch the whole episode here: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4sxVeRnkqTeUjhojNOqxdj…

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SUMMER SHORT 2: Disaster on Top of a Disaster 3:38

1y ago3:38

3:38

Starting on October 7th multiple earthquakes devastated Herat adding to the already tragic situation of Afghans. This travesty was one of the fast news in Western media but locals still feel its impact. In this episode we’re joined by Zobair Ahadi in Afghanistan and Yaser Taheri in Berlin. Watch the whole episode here: Spotify: https://open.spotify…

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SUMMER SHORT 1: When Art Provokes. 7:39

1y ago7:39

7:39

As many members of our team come from Iran, for our first Summer Short episode we had to choose a topic related to the situation of Iranian artists who were forced to flee their country and those who despite all obstacles decided to stay. Our special guest is an actor, director and artist Vassilis Koukalani . Watch the whole episode here: Spotify: …

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S03E22: Season Finale: ART AS A REFUGE. Conversations with the FRACTURED team 1:36:05

1y ago1:36:05

1:36:05

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 s…