Whether for navigation, translation or communication: the cell phone is one of the most important tools, especially when fleeing from persecution, war or violence. Unfortunately, they are too often confiscated by border police or criminal gangs, because of their value or to deter asylum seekers. More than a hundred million people worldwide are on the run. Reporting tends to focus on sea rescue or entry via the EU’s external borders. Journalist Özge Inan and migration expert Marie von Manteuffel will join moderator Anna Dushime on “Through the Sahara without a cell phone” to shed light on fleeing, migration, and how European interests influence African border policies. What challenges do migrants face? How do people cross the dangerous Sahara? And what medical aid is available along refugee routes? The work of MSF(Médecins sans frontières) and questions like these will be discussed in this panel. Journalist and writer Özge Inan approaches flight and migration from a legal perspective. In her novel “Natürlich kann man hier nicht leben” (Of course you can’t live here), she tells the story of a political escape between Turkey and Germany. At Holzmarkt, you can explore the sea rescue boat “Geo Barents” in the Mediterranean with VR glasses and find out how you can get involved — because solidarity and support are essential, especially in times of crisis. Join us for this important discussion and a time to put your cell phone down for two hours.
Text: Alison Musch / Photos: Johanna Wittig, Malte Mühle, MSF
Ohne Handy durch die Sahara, Holzmarktstr.25, 10243 Berlin–Friedrichshain; map
“Ohne Handy durch die Sahara” on 19.03.2024 19h. The event is free of charge and will also be broadcast via live stream, you can register here.
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