UN HUMAN RIGHTS DAY 2024

A Screening and Panel Discussion on Human Rights Documentary

Produced by Journalist Dr. Thomas Sideris

 

On December 10, 2024, the Journalists and Writers Foundation (JWF) collaborated with the World Affairs Council of Harrisburg, the Greek Council for Refugees, Central Penn College, and Peace Islands Institute Pennsylvania to host a hybrid screening of the acclaimed human rights documentary, Gas Station or The Pigeons of Lahore, produced by investigative journalist Dr. Thomas Sideris. This event took place in observance of UN Human Rights Day.

During the first segment of the event, both the in-person audience and participants on Zoom viewed the documentary, which tells the harrowing story of Pakistani migrants in Greece who suffered the loss of loved ones in the tragic shipwreck off the coast of Pylos in June 2023. As a filmmaker and scholar in anthropogeography, Dr. Sideris provides a deeply moving examination of themes such as migration, displacement, and systemic exploitation. The documentary offers vital insights into the daunting experiences of migrants who traverse perilous routes while contending with repressive systems. Following the film screening, an interactive virtual discussion unfolded, facilitated by Cemre Ulker, the JWF’s Representative to the UN Department of Global Communications. She engaged Dr. Thomas Sideris, Lefteris Papagiannakis, and Joyce Davis in a dialogue about the underlying causes of increasing forced displacement, global trends reported by UNHCR, and the resilience demonstrated by refugees in their arduous journeys.

In her opening remarks, Ms. Ulker stated that the UN Sustainable Development Goals are likely to remain unfulfilled by 2023, primarily due to the unprecedented rise in global conflicts, which have led to alarmingly high civilian casualties. She emphasized that 40% of the world’s population lives under authoritarian regimes, with an additional 15% in hybrid regimes. Amidst the resurgence of armed conflicts, gender-based oppression, and growing economic disparities, Ms. Ulker highlighted the pressing global complexities, pointing out that the presence of entrenched autocrats has fostered an atmosphere characterized by intimidation and persecution. The UNHCR has reported a staggering 117.3 million forcibly displaced individuals worldwide, representing an 8% increase from the previous year due to failures in maintaining international peace and security.

Dr. Thomas Sideris, a journalist and film producer based in Greece, shared his perspective, asserting that while human rights documentaries alone cannot incite global change, they are crucial for raising awareness, provoking thought, and igniting conversations about social issues often overlooked by society. He discussed his dedication to illuminating the lives of marginalized groups, including Pakistani migrants who find work as street vendors, thereby bringing attention to these often “invisible” communities. Dr. Sideris also mentioned the resistance he has faced in Greece when addressing migrant issues, relating his dedication to his own immigrant father and viewing his subjects through a personal lens.

According to Dr. Sideris, the film serves two significant purposes: to render the invisible visible and to underscore the grave issues of exploitation and human trafficking. He addressed the role of global governance systems in aiding migrants, emphasizing the necessity for host nations to have the right structures and resources in place to support and integrate newcomers effectively. This allows migrants to flourish and leverage their professional skills. He conveyed that confronting systemic inequalities could alleviate the poverty and hardships experienced by migrants, who often risk their lives seeking safer futures due to the intolerable conditions in their home countries. Driven by a profound sense of responsibility, Dr. Sideris remains dedicated to tackling these challenging issues.

Shifting to another crucial aspect of his work, Dr. Sideris discussed the themes of xenophobia and cultural integration as they pertain to refugees, particularly the Pakistani asylum seekers featured in his film. He drew parallels between their experiences and those of his own family. Dr. Sideris acknowledged that many of his cinematic subjects share similar challenges and characteristics. The phenomenon of migration, whether spurred by war, economic duress, or climate change, has significant social and psychological ramifications. Migrants carry parts of their cultural identity with them, which shapes both their journeys and their integration into new environments. They create new representations of their past while holding onto their hopes and aspirations for the future.

Cemre Ulker subsequently posed questions to Dr. Sideris regarding the political landscape in Turkey, where rights have been increasingly curtailed. She requested insights about the circumstances of refugees in Greece, particularly Turkish, Syrian, and Kurdish populations. Dr. Sideris explained that after 2016, a considerable number of Turkish migrants fled to Greece in response to political unrest, with the government targeting various political factions. He highlighted that while Turkish refugees also encounter considerable challenges, they have succeeded in integrating into communities in Athens and Thessaloniki, where, despite their own difficulties, they play a pivotal role in supporting other forcibly displaced individuals through solidarity networks and civil society efforts.

Continuing the discussion, Lefteris Papagiannakis, Director of the Greek Council for Refugees (GCR), elaborated on the critical work of his organization, which is the oldest NGO in Greece dedicated to supporting asylum seekers and refugees by providing legal, social, and psychological services. Mr. Papagiannakis pointed out that many staff members are former refugees who have successfully integrated into Greek society. He underscored the collaborations between GCR and various organizations such as UNHCR and the International Organization for Migration, discussing their strategic litigation efforts, including a notable case concerning a pushback incident that could potentially result in Greece being found guilty of human rights violations.

 

Lefteris Papagiannakis further addressed the challenges facing GCR, including the vilification of their human rights efforts. He contested the term “refugee crisis,” arguing that it is more appropriately labeled a “reception crisis” or a political crisis, while highlighting inconsistencies in public discourse around migration issues. He emphasized the significance of local organizations like GCR, which maintain strong community connections, in adeptly meeting refugees’ needs, contrasting them with global organizations that may lack the intimate understanding necessary for effective service delivery.

Cemre Ulker and Lefteris Papagiannakis delved into the growing challenges encountered by human rights defenders, referencing a report by UN Special Rapporteur Mary Lawl, which discusses the rising stigmatization faced by these advocates. She emphasized the serious threats that members of civil society and human rights organizations, such as the Greek Council for Refugees, confront in their efforts to expose state violations, including being labeled as foreign agents or enemies of the state. Mr. Papagiannakis also provided an update concerning the ongoing investigation into the tragic shipwreck near Pylos, where a boat carrying over 750 refugees sank. He was asked about GCR’s involvement and any international progress related to the case.

Papagiannakis informed the attendees that the Greek Council for Refugees, along with other NGOs, represents 53 survivors in a criminal complaint against the authorities. The investigation remains ongoing, with survivors awaiting the public prosecutor’s decision on whether charges will be filed or if the case will be archived. Should the case be archived, he indicated that GCR plans to take it to the European Court of Human Rights. He also spoke to the broader context surrounding legal battles related to similar cases, indicating that past cases often require years to resolve. He cited a 2014 shipwreck, which resulted in 11 deaths, that was only resolved in 2022, with the Greek state found negligent for failing to conduct a proper investigation. He voiced hope that both national and international inquiries will ultimately yield clarity. Regarding the nine individuals initially accused of being traffickers, Papagiannakis explained that they were acquitted in May, following a journalistic investigation demonstrating that Greek authorities were aware they were not involved in trafficking and had been coerced into involvement—a frequent issue faced by refugees and migrants.

Papagiannakis emphasized that the boat, now resting at a depth of 5,000 meters in the Mediterranean Sea, serves as a symbol of preventable loss of life. He stressed the need for accountability to deter future violations, asserting that the work of the Greek Council for Refugees is essential for safeguarding human rights and averting future tragedies.

Additionally, the director of the Greek Council for Refugees noted that climate change is rapidly becoming a pivotal factor driving displacement. He elaborated those environmental challenges such as water scarcity, loss of arable land, and extreme heat are increasingly cited as motivations for migration. He drew attention to the fact that climate-induced displacements are already affecting Europe, evidenced by internal displacements caused by flooding in Greece in 2023. A report indicated that climate events displaced 6.6 million people in 2023, with projections suggesting this figure will continue to rise. Papagiannakis warned that the intersection of climate change and migration could generate a “perfect storm,” exacerbating political tensions in developed nations. He concluded by asserting that climate change will become an increasingly crucial component of discussions surrounding displacement and related topics.

Cemre Ulker then transitioned the conversation to the perspective from the United States regarding the refugee crisis with Joyce Davis, President of the World Affairs Council of Harrisburg. Ulker inquired about the significant rise in refugee numbers, particularly how recent U.S. elections have framed migration as a security concern. She asked how this narrative might polarize public opinion and influence civic engagement within the country

Joyce Davis responded by reflecting on the prevalent lack of compassion in the United States towards those suffering from the factors compelling migration. She emphasized that many Americans are largely unaware of the reasons driving migration, regarding it predominantly through the lens of security concerns. She lamented the general ignorance regarding global events in the U.S. and argued for the necessity of media and documentaries to increase awareness in local communities, inspiring empathy for refugees and encouraging individuals to consider how they might provide assistance. Davis asserted that affluent nations should share the burden of addressing the refugee crisis rather than leaving it to a single country to manage alone.

In discussing the media’s role, she identified significant gaps in reporting, noting that the U.S. press is currently under threat from political pressures and disinformation. The President of WACH emphasized the critical importance of maintaining integrity in media outlets to ensure accurate information dissemination, especially as the public navigates the challenges of finding trustworthy news sources. She commended the efforts of journalists in Greece for their dedication and underscored the need for media organizations to persist in their mission with vigor.

Joyce Davis also discussed the emergence of citizen journalism, recognizing its importance while cautioning that it can lead to the proliferation of misinformation. She articulated that trained journalists possess the skills to pose the right questions and present nuanced narratives; in contrast, citizen journalists often share personal views, potentially contributing to misinformation. She advised media organizations to focus on enhancing media literacy so that citizens can become informed consumers of news.

Furthermore, Ms. Davis raised concerns regarding women’s rights and the increasing threats to democracy on a global scale. Joyce warned that the decline of the rule of law in powerful nations such as the U.S. could have far-reaching impacts, particularly on developing countries that view democracies as models. She emphasized the urgent need to safeguard democracy and the rule of law both locally and globally, highlighting the issue of gender equality. She referenced a UN report forecasting that it would take an additional 100 years to fully close the gender gap. She called for enhanced international collaboration to effectively address these disparities as soon as possible.

After engaging with audience comments and questions, Ms. Ulker concluded the event by highlighting the indispensable role that human rights defenders and civil society members play as champions of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. She remarked that the pursuit of human rights must coincide with the establishment of peace and security on a global scale. Thus, as a transnational community of peace advocates and human rights champions, it is imperative to continue vocalizing our collective demands for accountability and to remind states of their obligation to honor international human rights mechanisms. In her closing remarks, Cemre Ulker also expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the remarkable human rights organizations in Greece, along with the journalists, reporters, and the compassionate Greek society for their willingness to open their doors to individuals in urgent need of assistance.