Trieste (The Silos)

In November 2023, we visited Trieste for the first time to understand the situation there and figure out how we could be useful. We organized a collection of useful materials, raised some money, and by the end of February, we decided to return to provide more concrete support.

Trieste, known as “the gateway to Europe,” is where people, mainly from Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, arriving from the Balkan route, feel “safe” after overcoming the most difficult part: thousands of kilometers, mostly traveled on foot, in freezing conditions, facing police violence and repression. Thousands of migrants pass through Trieste, some of whom stop while waiting for political asylum procedures, which can take years or, in the worst case, may never happen.

The place where they usually stop, either momentarily or for longer periods during the bureaucratic process, is called the “Silos”: a dilapidated structure with a very fragile roof, countless leaks, no water or bathrooms, and infested with mice that bite people at night, making it impossible to store food. Every time it rains, all personal belongings get wet unless they are lucky enough to have a good tent. During our stay on-site, we cleaned up the place with the people who live there, covered makeshift kitchens with plastic sheets, protected at least some of the common spaces from the rain and wind, but above all, we formed new friendships and relationships and together rebuilt a bit of that sense of humanity that is often crucial for people on the move to feel welcome. We promised them and ourselves that we would return soon!

Photos
Photos

 Help 4 Dunkerque 2023

From November 9th to December 15th, we supported our friends at “Help 4 Dunkerque” in launching their four-month-long project to assist displaced individuals in the Grand Synthe area. Throughout this period, we initiated various essential activities aimed at aiding people, including providing hot drinks in the mornings, serving meals, setting up phone charging stations, establishing a barber space, and endeavoring to fulfill diverse needs such as clothing, shoes, blankets, tents, and more.

This collaborative effort involved Art Bro’s and numerous other volunteers who, like us, rally every winter to champion this noble cause. After a hiatus of three years, we are elated to have once again contributed to this remarkable project. Our heartfelt appreciation extends to everyone involved, from the tireless organizers who meticulously plan year-round to prepare for the winter season, to those who facilitate collection points, to the dedicated volunteers and generous donors who support this vital endeavor.

Together, we are all “Help 4 Dunkerque”. Merci!

For further insights, please visit our photo and video gallery, where you can explore the rich content we have documented during our time there, including a poignant reportage featuring our dear friend Pierre, currently on a hunger strike to protest the harsh treatment of displaced individuals by the French government, underscoring their relentless struggle for a better future.

Update n° 2

Between the end of 2023 and the beginning of 2024, we will launch our project “The Azadi Road Project”: the road to freedom. We are going to retrace, on the contrary, parts of this obligatory route that, in recent years, millions of migrants fleeing the Middle East travel: the Balkan route, providing physical, economic and/or material aid to organizations that for years have been living and showing solidarity with migrants in various border areas of the Balkan Route.
in Dunkirk we are in contact with “Help 4 Dunkerque”, who actively support people living in “illegal camps”. Our support will then extend to groups like Linea D’Ombra in northern Italy, Blindspots in Serbia and Bosnia and others in Greece or in different countries depending on which migrant flow will be the most popular during this period. Our support will be both physical and/or monetary depending on the needs of each area and group.
At the same time we will try to document, through photos, videos and reports, the realities of these human beings who face this difficult journey, at the limit of humanity, in search of a feeling of freedom.
The project is completely self-financing through donations of useful equipment in the various collection points active in various regions of Europe and monetary donations. The money we collect between now and next year will be used either by donating it directly to a group, paying for the transport of goods to the camps, or using them directly on these spaces for any necessity.

 

Update n°1

Between the end of 2023 and beginning 2024 we will start our project “The Azadi Road Project” that is set to help various groups, organisations and associations that give aid actively to refugees all around Europe.
We are in touch with groups in the U.K such as “Hertz for Refugees” whom collects tents and camping equipment at the end of various festivals to then transport everything to the camps at the north of France, in Dunkirk we are in touch with “Help4Dunkerque”, “MRS” and “Roots” whom actively give support to people in the “illegal camps”. Our support will then expand to groups in Italy, Poland, Greece and different countries depending on the migrant course that will be most popular in that period of time. Our support will be both physical and/or monetary depending on the necessities or each country and group.
The money that we will collect from now until next year will be used by either donating it directly to a group, by paying for transport of goods to camps, or by using them directly on these spaces for any necessity.
For any other information follow our website www.noborderstv.com and the page https://noborderstv.com/project/noborders/ you will see more updates about our next project and information about our previous ones.