(Un)seen - Undocumented people tell their story with photos

The Fotovoice project Unseen takes a look at the lives of undocumented migrants in Eindhoven. Eight clients of the foundation Vluchtelingen in de Knel received an extensive photography course and analyzed their life story. Through their own eyes we see their struggles, the ups and downs in their lives, and their dreams.   Some refugees are forced to live in the Netherlands after their application for asylum has been rejected. The government expects these people to return, but in practice they cannot return. Refugees who are stateless have no country to return to. Others are in danger of being prosecuted or murdered in their country of origin, but cannot prove this with evidence. The government expects these people to return, but in practice they cannot return. 

The refugees who are rejected live in the margins of society. They are not allowed to go to school in the Netherlands or to do (volunteer) work. They are not allowed to be there and develop themselves. They often dare not express themselves and show their presence, because of the constant risk of being detained even though they are not criminals. They often do not dare to go public because of their legal status. Yet they all try to keep  hope alive in their own way and live a human life.

Thanks to the photographers: Maaike van den Bosch Soraya Ebrahimi, Anoek Steketee and Giath Taha.  This has been made possible by: St. Vluchtelingen in de  Knel, Van Abbemuseum, Kansfonds, Budget cam, Wij Doen Mee.