Stateless: How Can We Make A Difference?

Stateless.

The word can refer to people who for one reason or another have no recognised nationality.

For example, the Bedouin live within Kuwait, yet are a minority and are denied access to education and healthcare within their own country. Even though the Rohingya are recorded to have been present in modern day Myanmar since the fifteenth century, their citizenship is not recognised by the government. Hundreds of thousands of stateless Rohingya are currently living just across the border in Cox’s Bazaar in Bangladesh.

However, the ‘Stateless’ about which I am writing is not in reference to these and many other people. I am writing about a new six-episode drama on Netflix.

One episode opens with the following words:

‘Australia’s detention regime is a reflection of our highly developed migration system enabling us to determine both the identity of asylum seekers and the legitimacy of their claims for protection. And it allows us to do that in a way that protects our national security and order… Our standards in keeping with international guidelines are among the highest in the world…’

The programme is about the harsh Australian detention system. It is set fifteen years ago and is ‘inspired by true events.’ Many of us may be familiar with some aspects of Australian immigration policy and offshore detention, facilities that are so inhumane that those detained have gone on hunger strike, self-harmed and sewed their lips shut in protest.

The episodes are full of government incompetence, negligence and ‘reasonable proportional force.’ Separation, trauma, corruption, cover-ups, insufficient training, people referred to by number instead of by name, translators employed who speak the wrong languages,  self-harm, perilous sea journeys, forced deportation, solitary confinement and endless days of waiting with absolutely nothing to do.

Should I watch it? That’s what I was wondering when I sat down to watch the first episode. I do have sympathy for refugees and asylum seekers. I know people who have recently arrived in the UK and am trying to be part of the solution.  We are not in Australia. We are in 2020, not 2005. What’s the point of watching this?

After binge watching all six episodes over one evening, I think I have an answer. The programme is brutal, unjust and uncomfortable to watch – but how much more terrible, violent and heart breaking is reality. I have never had the experience of having to flee from my country, nor been tortured, suffered sexual violence, or been haunted by flashbacks and questioned by those who wanted to deny me entry to safety.

I didn’t watch it for entertainment – it is certainly not a pleasant way of spending time when many of the situations portrayed are real for so many who live in Derby. I didn’t watch it to be able to point out how a country the other side of the world has treated people so badly.

It was a reminder that the system in this country exists to protect my way of living, my privilege. It was a reminder that events portrayed on the TV in the corner of my room are reality for around 70 million people worldwide.

Cate Blanchett, producer of Stateless, has hopes ‘that it will prompt people to rethink how … we are all responding to the current displacement crisis.’

I guess thinking is the first thing, Cate. But it’s not just a current crisis. Due to COVID-19 I have had some restrictions imposed on me. The places I went to and the people that I met were very limited. I am afraid of a virus I cannot see. Many more people worldwide are struggling with that in addition to fleeing from more pressing and visible threats.

Seemingly unrelated facts such as the pandemic, conflicts, locust swarms, as well as the increasing rate of climate change, and lower levels of humanitarian aid, mean food prices in some regions have doubled.  This is predicted to lead to a huge increase in numbers of those who suffer from starvation levels of hunger. The result is that people are continuing to flee and will continue to do so.

So yes, even in my sleepy state I need to respond. Practically I can’t respond to 70 million people worldwide. I’m not sure if I could respond to 70 or even 7. But I hope that my all night viewing will enable me to be more compassionate tomorrow, and to endeavour to treat people with the dignity they deserve.

What about you? I challenge you to watch all six uncomfortable episodes and be disturbed, offended, even outraged. Someone you know will have a Netflix subscription and can let you watch on their account. Don’t just turn off the TV and think about the next world drama box set as I so often do. Make it your business to become more aware (many resources are available on our website).

Then make a difference! There are lots of ways to make a difference. Speak up on behalf of refugees. Deliver some groceries. Challenge government policies that aim to keep migrants out of the rich world to protect our privilege and lifestyle.   

I am not naturally very compassionate but have been inspired by just how much compassion I have witnessed this week. People sharing resources, listening, encouraging and being a friend to people who have recently fled to the UK.  Many have done just that – made a difference. Find out more at upbeatcommunities.org/volunteer

Let us know what action you have been spurred onto as a result!

Elliot Cooper — Upbeat Project Worker and Tutor