While the EU is spending millions of euros on repression and emargination policies thinking to solve the issue by building new walls and barriers, life in Idomeni goes on. Days become months and – who knows? – years. Pessimism and hatred are increasing, desperation, frustration and tension are prevailing, hence episodes of internal violence, as well as clashes with the police patrolling the borders that happen almost every day. What will be the fate of people who are only guilty of escaping from war and violence? It is quite understandable that these people do not want to go back to their countries after paying a fortune to reach Europe. For them, this long, tough journey will only be over once they will have reached a place where to live under respectable conditions and build a future for themselves and their beloved ones. “How long can you stand living here?” – I asked a Syrian refugee that accepted to be photographed and tell his story. “I survived the bombs, I lost a brother and other relatives, my house does not exist any longer. I can resist in this situation still a few more weeks hoping that the EU will reopen the borders, otherwise I will have to find another solution… I dream of the day when I will finally be able to go back to my country but until then, I will keep fighting in hopes of seeing my dream come true.”
Federico Sutera Photography
Federico Sutera is an italian freelance photographer based in Venice.
His main work is focused on documentary projects and fine art prints.