A new Virtual Reality (VR) video produced by The Guardian gives an insight into the life of someone stuck in limbo whilst they seek asylum.
You can watch the video above straighforwardly, or if you have a smartphone and a VR headset, really get inside the world of a refugee.
The film-makers say:
“The piece was made after conducting interviews with asylum seekers from 12 countries as well as immigration lawyers and barristers. The voices in the soundtrack are those of real refugees who guide the viewer through the experience – from arriving in an unfamiliar city to acute worry for loved ones left behind, concern about not being allowed to work, and the Home Office interview on which so much rides . They spoke about the often slow and painful process of the application and the subsequent wait to be reunited with their families. The Home Office aims to make an initial decision within six months, but many wait longer than this. Despite access to services from refugee charities, for the most part they are unable to travel, work or learn English.”
You can view a trailer, and read more about the project on the Guardian website.
And if this has inspired you to take action, pop into Peace Hub to support Birmingham as a City of Sanctuary.
We are highlighting this video as we feel it is a positive resource, relevant to our current theme. It should not be inferred that The Guardian endorses Peace Hub in any way.