Nea Kavala is an Accommodation Center located on the Greek mainland, close to the Greek-North Macedonian border and 5 km away (1 hour by walk) from the nearest town of Polykastro. The geographical isolation of the camp, which is built close to a former military airport, represents a big challenge for the residents. Access to basic facilities, such as the supermarket, hospital, school, and bus stop is limited, and no public transport covers this distance. Furthermore, the road from the camp to Polykastro is prone to extreme weather conditions, such as strong winds, cold weather during winter, and very high summer temperatures. Walking down the road often also means being exposed to fast vehicles without any protection.
This photo report was naturally ideated as a result of personal reflections, collective discussions, and interviews with experts about media representation of people on the move and how it affects our approach to the migratory phenomenon. In a simple but effective way, the report focuses on dynamic situations showing that the equation people on the move = victims is incorrect. Being on the move does not define who you are: people on the move aren’t passive actors in their lives, but humans with projects and talents who enrich society if given dignified treatment and fair opportunities to thrive. Living and representing the migratory phenomenon therefore means being the witness of a new equation to explore: people on the move = diversity = exchange = richness.
Isn’t cultural exchange a source of growth for all of us? Isn't this sense of community more natural than mutual discrimination? Once you have it before your eyes, you can’t ignore this anymore.
The illegal violence at the borders and the marginalization of people on the move are injustified.
