WHEN I CLOSE MY EYES, I REMEMBER
This is Zarah’s story, but it is also the story of thousands of women, boys and girls who journey along the migratory routes. A forced trip for the many who dream of finally reaching their destination.
CRISTINA BUENO
Syria: bombings, snipers and looting have destroyed Aleppo. Zarah mourns for her city as she makes a difficult decision: she doesn’t want to leave, but she has to think about her children. The trip to Europe is a treacherous one, full of dangers and threats unknown, but also one of hope as she glimpses the chance to start a new life free of violence.
In collaboration with:
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MISSION
Being every day closer to the most vulnerable people at national and international level, through integrated actions, undertaken essentially by volunteers and with a wide social participation and territorial presence.
VISIONÂ
The Spanish Red Cross, as a voluntary humanitarian organisation strongly rooted in society, will provide comprehensive responses to vulnerable people, from a perspective of human and community development, reinforcing their individual capabilities within their social context.
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Script and illustrations
You can read the comic in multimedia format here:
www.comicdocumental.obreelsulls.org
When I close my eyes, I remember. by Cristina Bueno 1st edition: March 2018 Š Creu Roja Š 2018, Cristina Bueno Total or partial reproduction of this publication is forbidden, and it may not be processed or transmitted in any way or by any means, be they electronic, mechanical, photocopies, registration or other methods. The rights of use may not be lent, rented or given away in any other form without previous permission in writing from the copyright holders. Editing: Spanish Red Cross, Catalan Branch and Norma Editorial In collaboration with:
Participants and thanks: Technical staff, volunteers and interns from the Department of International Cooperation, Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law of the Spanish Red Cross, Catalan Branch, delegates of the Spanish Red Cross in Greece, technical staff and volunteers from the Refugee Assistance Programme of the Spanish Red Cross, Catalan Branch and the migrants and refugees who have shared their experiences and life history with us. Photographs: The photographs used belong to the Spanish Red Cross and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. Design and layout: LimboStudio Printed in the EU
Facebook: Creu Roja Catalunya Twitter: @creurojacat Instagram: creurojacat
www.creuroja.org www.NormaEditorial.com
FOREWORD Current numbers of forced displacement around the world are extremely high, and are cause for serious concern. More than 65 million people have fled their homes as a result of persecution, conflict, widespread violence and human rights violations. Behind these figures are the faces of real people: women, men, children, entire families who have been forced to abandon their homes in search of a new life free of violence. It is in the context of this migratory phenomenon that the Red Cross presents “When I close my eyes, I remember�, a non-fiction documentary comic that we hope will serve as a tool to influence decision-makers and raise awareness of the causes and consequences of forced displacements, including those of women. By describing the story of Zarah and her three children, we hope this book will help expose the humanitarian needs, rights, and the specific situations of vulnerability suffered by women and girls as they undertake their migration route. According to data from UNHCR, women and children constitute about half of the population of refugees, internally displaced people and stateless individuals. They face specific risks and are less likely to be able to enjoy their rights, due to inequalities and discrimination. For this reason, raising awareness, humanitarian diplomacy and communication are now essential mechanisms in the struggle to guarantee that people like Zarah and her family enjoy the protection to which they are entitled, both internally and internationally. At the Red Cross, we emphasise the needs of women refugees in all stages of their migration route, promoting their inclusion in our society and giving them the opportunity to embark on a new life free from violence.
Antoni Aguilera i RodrĂguez President of the Catalan Branch, Spanish Red Cross
“This week the Syrian crisis entered its eighth year. How long will the powers behind the fighting allow it to drag on? They must know already that a war of vengeance is a war without end, one in which everybody loses” Statement by the President of the International Committee of the Red Cross, PETER MAURER, during his visit to Syria. 16 March 2018.
“Women are absolutely essential when it comes to offering hope and allowing their families to carry on in the most difficult circumstances.” TADATERU KONOÉ, former President of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.
BARCELONA, 2017.
DON’T WORR Y , SALIM. IT’S JUST THE WIND BANGING THE WINDOWS.
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ALEPPO (SYRIA) 2 YEARS BEFORE.
WHY CAN’T DAD COME WITH US?
SALIM, SON… HE JUST CAN’T RIGHT NOW.
HOW ARE YOU, ZARAH?
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I ’ M SCARED, KHALED.
GOING ON THIS JOURNEY ALONE, WITH THE KIDS…
…I KNOW WE’RE LUCKY WE HAVE ENOUGH MONEY TO FLEE, BUT…
I JUST CAN ’ T BELIEVE WE’RE IN THIS SIT UAT ION.
WE KNEW WE COULDN’T STAY IN ALEPPO ANY LONGER.
Y ES… IT ’ S HORRIFIC.
THIS WAR IS A LIVING NIGHT MARE.
THE BOMBINGS, THE SNIPERS, THE LOOT INGS… SO MUCH VIOLENCE…
THINGS HAVE GOT SO DANGEROUS.
MY CIT Y ’ S DIED BEFORE MY EYES.
WE WERE WAIT ING FOR THE RIGHT T IME TO LEAVE…
THE HOSPITAL BOMBING BROUGHT OUR PLANS FORWARD
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BE ST RONG, ZARAH. YOU’RE BRAVE AND YOU ’ RE DOING ALL THIS FOR YOUR KIDS.
THIS WAR IS A DISGRACE.
AND INT ERNAT IONAL HUMANITARIAN LAW IS BEING CONSTANT LY VIOLAT ED.
Turkey
IT SHOULD PROT ECT THOSE NOT TAKING PART IN HOST ILIT IES. PROHIBIT AT TACKS ON CIVILIANS.
HEALTHCARE WORKERS, THEIR VEHICLES AND HOSPITALS CAN’T BE AT TACKED.
PROHIBIT TORT URE,
PROHIBIT RAPE AND OTHER FORMS OF SEXUAL VIOLENCE.
8
Syria
ARE YOU SURE
Y OU DON’T WANT
TO COME, KHALED?
YOU’LL ENT ER T URKEY ON FOOT. THERE ARE NO BORDER CONT ROLS WHERE I’M DROPPING YOU OFF.
M Y PARENT S ARE TOO OLD TO MAKE SUCH A TOUGH JOURNE Y , FAT IMA AND I HAVE NO KIDS AND I FEEL LIKE I CAN ST ILL HELP.
Turkey
REMEMBER ALL THE INST RUCT IONS, ZARAH.
Tell us when you get there.
Be strong, Zarah Yes
Good luck!
Syria
Turkey
ONCE YOU MAKE IT TO THE TOWN OF KILIS, TAKE A BUS TO İZMIR.
THE JOURNEY WILL TAKE MANY HOURS.
BE PAT IENT.
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IN Ä°ZMIR, LOOK FOR A HOSPITAL. MARIAM, GIVE ME THE PHONE AND T RY TO SLEEP.
ZARAH, WHEN THE KIDS ARE A LIT T LE OLDER WE SHOULD ALL GO ON A T RIP TOGETHER.
HA HA! WHERE WOULD YOU LIKE TO GO?
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IN THE MORNING, HEAD TO BASMANE SQUARE.
THERE YOU’LL MAKE CONTACT WITH THE PEOPLE WHO WILL ARRANGE THE T RANSPORT FOR YOU.
WE WANT TO GO TO GERMANY M Y BROTHER LIVES THERE WITH HIS FAMILY.
1.800
THE BUS LEAVES IN FOUR DAYS.
DOLLARS.
N O OO O! I DON’T WANT TO GET ON THE BUS AGAIN!
BE BRAVE, ZARAH. GOOD LUCK.
WE’LL BE IN TOUCH.
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WHAT?! HE Y ! YOU’RE LEAVING US HERE?
I’VE GOT A NEW CONTACT !
THEY CAN GET US INTO GREECE IN 10 DAYS.
1.200
MORE DOLLARS.
NO BAGS OR RU CK SACK S.
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WITH THEM?
MUM, IS THIS REALLY THE ONLY WAY?
HEY, BOY , Y OU’LL BE DRIVING THE DINGH Y *.
MARIAM, WE DON’T HAVE MANY OPT IONS. THIS IS WHY THE MAFIAS ARE POPPING UP. WE HAVE NO OPT ION. HELP ME, PLEASE, DAUGHT ER.
ALRIGHT.
WHAT, ME?! *Inflatable boat with engine.
I’M SCARED. THE BOAT’S FOR 20 , BUT THERE’S MORE THAN 50 OF US!
I CAN’T SWIM.
IT’S COLD.
WOMEN AND CHILDREN IN THE MIDDLE! HURRY UP OR YOU’LL BE LEFT ON LAND!
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WAR POVERTY
RELIGION SEXUAL ORIENTATION
PERSECUTION
TORTURE FAMINE
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WHEN WILL WE GET THERE?
A A AA H W
?
DON’T WORRY, WE’LL BE THERE BY SUNRISE.
A? !
DOES CARDBOARD FLOAT?
WHAT’S WRONG?
ARE Y OU OK? WHAT’S WRONG?
IT’S NOTHING.
SURE?
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SURE.
AAHHH
P H L E H AAAAH A A AA ARE THOSE SCREAMS FROM THE OTHER BOAT?
I ’ M SCARED.
I THINK SO…
AAAAH
GULP
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GU LP
...
ARE WE IN GERMANY YET?
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SOON, RANA, DON ’ T WORRY.
GERMANY? NO, DAUGHT ER, WE’RE NOT THERE YET.
I ’ M COLD.
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MUM, THE Y CAN ’ T UNDERSTAND EACH OTHER.
WHEN ’ S DAD COMING?
WE NEED TO MAKE A LIST, DO YOU HAVE DOCUMENTAT ION?
THEY CAN, DEEP DOWN.
YES! NO.
NO.
THOSE WITH DOCUMENT S, Y OU’LL GO WITH OUR COLLEAGUES FROM UNHCR * WHO WILL TAKE YOU TO MORIA.
*United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.
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IS THIS EUROPE?
CAN WE GO HOME?
WHAT ’ S WITH ALL THEIR QUEST IONS?
BRONCHIT IS! BUT WITH THE MEDICINE YOU’LL BE FINE.
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DO WE HAVE TO QUEUE EVERY DA Y FOR FOOD?
I’M MARIAM.
YES, BUT THE LINE FOR THE TOILET IS
WORSE! IT’S HARD TO STAY CLEAN HERE.
BOTH MY T WO KIDS HAVE CONJUNCT IVIT IS.
COME WITH ME TOMORROW, I ’ LL SHOW YOU WHERE TO GET THE BEST WI-FI SIGNAL.
I T ELL Y OU, THERE ARE FLEAS IN THIS SHACK.
MY DAUGHT ER WON’T TALK ABOUT THE CONFLICT OR DEATH, BUT HER DRAWINGS DO.
I’M WORRIED ABOUT MY KIDS ’ FUT URE.
I PRA Y FOR THE DAY WE CAN GO BACK TO SYRIA.
I ’ M IMAN.
I DON’T THINK WE EVER WILL.
MARIAM, MY ELDEST, SHE ’ S 15 AND SHE’S LOST ALL HOPE.
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HER CHEST IS ALWAYS T IGHT, SHE CAN’T BREATHE... IT ’ S NOT A PHYSICAL PROBLEM…
…AND SHE CAN BARELY SLEEP. YOU SHOULD GO SEE OUR PSYCHOLOGIST.
AND M Y SON SALIM IS 5 …
…HE’S ONLY REALLY KNOWN WAR.
I NEED TO TAKE THEM FAR AWAY FROM ALL THIS.
DO Y OU HAVE ANYTHING FOR FLEA BIT ES?
I CAN’T BEAR TO THINK DAD’S DEAD. I MISS HIM.
ME TOO. AND ME.
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DAD ’ S NEVER COMING, IS HE?
OH SALIM… SON… I’M SORR Y . WE WANT ED TO FIND THE RIGHT T IME TO T ELL YOU.
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I MADE THIS DRAWING TO CHEER SALIM UP!
WE DON’T HAVE ENOUGH MONEY, RANA.
…CAN WE LEAVE?
MUM…
I CAN HELP YOU WITH THE MONEY…
WE’RE HERE, MARIAM!
… Y OU’LL JUST NEED TO SPEND A FEW NIGHT S WITH ME…
WHAT DO YOU THINK?
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Y OU CAN SEE THE SKY AND THE RECEPT ION AND WI-FI ARE GREAT!
WHO’S THAT?
MY DAD WANT S ME TO MARRY A BOY I DON ’ T EVEN KNOW. HE SAYS IT’S THE BEST WAY TO PROT ECT ME…
MY DAD. HE DIED WHEN THEY BOMBED THE HOSPITAL HE WORKED IN.
BUT I LIKE HADI! HE’S SO BRAVE! HE’S GOING ON HIS OWN TO GERMANY. WHEN HE GET S THERE, HE’LL BRING THE REST OF HIS FAMILY.
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DON’T GO OUT AT NIGHT AGAIN. NO.
I’VE FOUND MY BROTHER!
MUM, WHAT ’ S THAT?
THEY HELP PEOPLE THAT ARE LOST FIND THEIR FAMILIES.
KIDS, GET YOUR THINGS, WE’RE LEAVING.
THE WAR HAS SEPARAT ED MANY FAMILIES.
I’LL MISS YOU, IMAN. WRIT E TO ME!
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?
MAN, NOT THE SEA AGAIN.
RANA!
RANA, NO!
HOW DID YOU GET THE MONE Y ?! THAT MAN SAID…
IN GREECE THEY SAW OUR SIT UAT ION AND SINCE WE HAVE DOCUMENT S, THE Y GAVE US SAFE-PASSAGE
RANA, PLEASE, T ELL ME WHAT’S WRONG.
COME NOW, WE’VE GOT A 10 -HOUR FERRY RIDE AHEAD.
IRAQIS PAKISTANIS
SYRIANS
AFGHANS SOMALIANS
M Y COUSIN ’ S IN IDOMENI. IT ’ S A DESOLAT E PLACE.
THE BEST WAY TO GET TO GERMANY IS THROUGH THE BALKANS.
WE NEED TO GET TO THE IDOMENI CAMP.
THAT’S WHERE PEOPLE ARE CROSSING INTO MACEDONIA.
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I ’ M HUNGRY.
I ’ M THIRST Y!
I’M SEASICK.
NEARL Y THERE!
I ’ M HUNGRY.
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I ’ M THIRST Y!
MARIAM, YOU HAVE TO T RY TO CHEER UP.
I KNOW IT’S HARD, BUT DON’T GIVE UP.
WE’LL CROSS THE BORDER SOON, WHEN THE RAIN STOPS.
ALEPPO, SYRIA.
MARIAM, Y OU HAVE TO EAT MORE.
SHE’S HAD AN ANXIET Y AT TACK.
MARIAM, T R Y TO SLEEP.
OH, SALIM, NOT AGAIN...
THIS FAMIL Y IS ESPECIALLY VULNERABLE, WE NEED TO FILE A PRIORIT Y REPORT.
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LET ’ S TAKE A PICT URE TOGETHER FOR KHALED.
MULT IFUNCT IONAL CENT RE, ATHENS THIS IS REALLY SMALL.
FINALL Y , A BED!
MUM… YES, MARIAM? MARIAM, DON’T BE LIKE THAT.
HOW LONG WILL WE BE HERE?
MUM, THIS ROOF WILL KEEP THE RAIN OUT, WON’T IT?
NOT LONG, WE’RE IN THE EU RELOCAT ION AND RESET T LEMENT PROGRAMME.
*EU = European Union
BARAJAS AIRPORT.
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2017, BARCELONA.
YOU’RE ALWAYS THE LAST ONES OUT!
HOW WAS CLASS?
SALIM!
HA HA HA
HI, MARIAM!
RANA!
WE’RE IN THE RIT SONA CAMP. THE T URKEY AGREEMENT CLOSED THE BORDERS, WE DON’T KNOW WHEN WE’LL MOVE ON.
HOW ARE WE? THEY’VE ACCEPT ED OUR ASYLUM REQUEST. IF THEY DENY US REFUGEE STAT US, WE’LL BECOME IRREGULAR IMMIGRANT S.
FIRST L Y THE GOVERNMENT GIVES YOU THE WHIT E CARD.
THE EVACUAT ION OF ALEPPO WAS TOUGH. THE CIT Y’S COMPLET ELY DEST ROYED. SO MANY HAVE DIED…
NOW WE WAIT. IT’S A LONG PROCESS AND I’M NERVOUS… I JUST KEEP THINKING ABOUT THE KIDS. THEY SHOULDN’T BE GOING THROUGH ALL THIS.
THEN A RED CARD THAT LET S US WORK.
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AT LEAST WE’RE ALL TOGETHER. IT’S COLD, THERE ISN’T ENOUGH FOOD, IT FEELS UNSAFE AND THE UNCERTAINT Y IS AWFUL. BUT WE’RE ALIVE.
THE PAPERWORK IS COMPLICAT ED, LUCKILY A LAWYER FROM THE RED CROSS IS HELPING. WE GET SUPPORT TO LIVE AN INDEPENDENT LIFE.
LAST L Y , THE FINAL REFUGEE DOCUMENT.
WE’RE NOT DOING TOO BAD HERE IN THE T EMPORARY HOUSING. WE ’ RE SHARING A FLAT WITH A GIRL FROM IRAQ.
THE KIDS HAVE PICKED UP THE LANGUAGE, I HELP OUT AT A LOCAL CENT RE TO PRACT ISE.
BUT WE’RE WELL. SOMET IMES I DON’T KNOW HOW I’LL MANAGE, OR IF I’LL GET THE REFUGEE STAT US.
IT’S HARD TO FIND WORK NOW. BUT WE’RE TOGETHER. MARIAM AND THE KIDS ARE HAPPY AT SCHOOL.
IT’S ST ILL ONLY T EMPORAR Y , THOUGH. I NEED A JOB TO RENT A FLAT. IT WON’T BE EAS Y .
I HOPE THE SIT UAT ION FOR THE REFUGEES GET S BET T ER SOON.
AFT ER LUNCH WE’LL CALL YOUR UNCLE IN GERMANY.
SMELLS GREAT !
AND FOR DESSERT… BAKLAVA! BAKLAVA!
OH, DAD ’ S FAVOURIT E!
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THE 7 FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES OF THE RED CROSS Humanity The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, born of a desire to bring assistance without discrimination to the wounded on the battlefield, endeavours, in its international and national capacity, to prevent and alleviate human suffering wherever it may be found. Its purpose is to protect life and health and to ensure respect for the human being. It promotes mutual understanding, friendship, cooperation and lasting peace amongst all peoples. Impartiality It makes no discrimination as to nationality, race, religious beliefs, class or political opinions. It endeavours to relieve the suffering of individuals, being guided solely by their needs, and to give priority to the most urgent cases of distress. Neutrality In order to continue to enjoy the confidence of all, the Movement may not take sides in hostilities or engage at any time in controversies of a political, racial, religious or ideological nature. Independence The Movement is independent. The National Societies, while auxiliaries in the humanitarian services of their governments and subject to the laws of their respective countries, must always maintain their autonomy so that they may be able at all times to act in accordance with the principles of the Movement. Voluntary service It is a voluntary relief movement not prompted in any manner by desire for gain. Unity There can be only one Red Cross or one Red Crescent Society in anyone country. It must be open to all. It must carry on its humanitarian work throughout its territory. Universality The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, in which all Societies have equal status and share equal responsibilities and duties in helping each other, is worldwide.
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WHEN I CLOSE MY EYES, I REMEMBER
This is Zarah’s story, but it is also the story of thousands of women, boys and girls who journey along the migratory routes. A forced trip for the many who dream of finally reaching their destination.
CRISTINA BUENO
Syria: bombings, snipers and looting have destroyed Aleppo. Zarah mourns for her city as she makes a difficult decision: she doesn’t want to leave, but she has to think about her children. The trip to Europe is a treacherous one, full of dangers and threats unknown, but also one of hope as she glimpses the chance to start a new life free of violence.
In collaboration with:
FORRO CARTONE CUANDO ABRO LOS OJOS english.indd 1
6/6/18 15:58