In collaboration with:

WHEN I CLOSE M

Y EYES, I REMEM

BERCRISTIN

A B

UENO

Syria: bombings, snipers and looting have destroyed Aleppo. Zarah mourns for her city as she makes a difficult decision: she doesn’t want to leave, but she has to think about her children. The trip to Europe is a treacherous one, full of dangers and threats unknown, but also one of hope as she glimpses the chance to start a new life free of violence.

This is Zarah’s story, but it is also the story of thousands of women, boys and girls who journey along the migratory routes. A forced trip for the many who dream of finally reaching their destination.

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MISSIONBeing every day closer to the most vulnerable people at national and international level, through integrated actions, undertaken essentially by volunteers and with a wide social participation and territorial presence.

VISION The Spanish Red Cross, as a voluntary humanitarian organisation strongly rooted in society, will provide comprehensive responses to vulnerable people, from a perspective of human and community development, reinforcing their individual capabilities within their social context.

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Script and illustrations

When I close my eyes, I remember. by Cristina Bueno1st edition: March 2018© Creu Roja © 2018, Cristina Bueno

Total or partial reproduction of this publication is forbidden, and it may not be processed or transmitted in any way or by any means, be they electronic, mechanical, photocopies, registration or other methods. The rights of use may not be lent, rented or given away in any other form without previous permission in writing from the copyright holders.

Editing: Spanish Red Cross, Catalan Branch and Norma Editorial

In collaboration with:

Participants and thanks: Technical staff, volunteers and interns from the Department of International Cooperation, Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law of the Spanish Red Cross, Catalan Branch, delegates of the Spanish Red Cross in Greece, technical staff and volunteers from the Refugee Assistance Programme of the Spanish Red Cross, Catalan Branch and the migrants and refugees who have shared their experiences and life history with us.

Photographs: The photographs used belong to the Spanish Red Cross and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.

Design and layout: LimboStudio

Printed in the EU

Facebook: Creu Roja CatalunyaTwitter: @creurojacatInstagram: creurojacat

www.creuroja.orgwww.NormaEditorial.com

You can read the comic in multimedia format here:

www.comicdocumental.obreelsulls.org

Current numbers of forced displacement around the world are extremely high, and are cause for serious concern. More than 65 million people have fled their homes as a result of persecution, conflict, widespread violence and human rights violations. Behind these figures are the faces of real people: women, men, children, entire families who have been forced to abandon their homes in search of a new life free of violence.

It is in the context of this migratory phenomenon that the Red Cross presents “When I close my eyes, I remember”, a non-fiction documentary comic that we hope will serve as a tool to influence decision-makers and raise awareness of the causes and consequences of forced displacements, including those of women.

By describing the story of Zarah and her three children, we hope this book will help expose the humanitarian needs, rights, and the specific situations of vulnerability suffered by women and girls as they undertake their migration route. According to data from UNHCR, women and children constitute about half of the population of refugees, internally displaced people and stateless individuals. They face specific risks and are less likely to be able to enjoy their rights, due to inequalities and discrimination.

For this reason, raising awareness, humanitarian diplomacy and communication are now essential mechanisms in the struggle to guarantee that people like Zarah and her family enjoy the protection to which they are entitled, both internally and internationally. At the Red Cross, we emphasise the needs of women refugees in all stages of their migration route, promoting their inclusion in our society and giving them the opportunity to embark on a new life free from violence.

Antoni Aguilera i RodríguezPresident of the Catalan Branch,

Spanish Red Cross

FOREWORD

“This week the Syrian crisis entered its eighth year. How long will the powers behind the fighting allow it to drag on? They must know already that a war of vengeance is a war without end, one in which everybody loses”

Statement by the President of the International Committee of the Red Cross, PETER MAURER, during his visit to Syria. 16 March 2018.

“Women are absolutely essential when it comes to offering hope and allowing their families to carry on in the most difficult circumstances.”

TADATERU KONOÉ, former President of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.

5

BARCELONA, 2017.

DON’T WORRY, SALIM. IT’S JUST

THE WIND BANGING THE WINDOWS.

6

ALEPPO (SYRIA) 2 YEARS BEFORE.

WHY CAN’T DAD COME WITH US?

SALIM, SON… HE JUST CAN’T RIGHT NOW.

HOW ARE YOU, ZARAH?

7

THE BOMBINGS, THE SNIPERS, THE LOOT INGS… SO

MUCH VIOLENCE…

WE KNEW WE COULDN’T STAY IN ALEPPO ANY

LONGER.THINGS

HAVE GOT SO DANGEROUS.

MY CIT Y’S DIED BEFORE MY EYES.

WE WERE WAIT ING FOR THE RIGHT T IME TO LEAVE…

THE HOSPITAL BOMBING BROUGHT

OUR PLANS FORWARD

I’M SCARED, KHALED.

GOING ON THIS JOURNEY ALONE, WITH THE KIDS…

…I KNOW WE’RE LUCKY WE HAVE ENOUGH MONEY

TO FLEE, BUT…

YES… IT’S HORRIFIC.THIS WAR

IS A LIVING NIGHTMARE.

I JUST CAN’T BELIEVE WE’RE IN THIS SIT UAT ION.

8

BE ST RONG, ZARAH. YOU’RE BRAVE AND

YOU’RE DOING ALL THIS FOR YOUR KIDS.

THIS WAR IS A

DISGRACE.

AND INT ERNAT IONAL HUMANITARIAN LAW IS BEING CONSTANTLY VIOLAT ED.

IT SHOULD PROT ECT THOSE NOT TAKING PART IN HOST ILIT IES.

PROHIBIT ATTACKS ON CIVILIANS.

HEALTHCARE WORKERS, THEIR VEHICLES AND

HOSPITALS CAN’T BE ATTACKED.

PROHIBIT TORT URE,

PROHIBIT RAPE AND OTHER FORMS OF SEXUAL VIOLENCE.

Turkey

Syria

9

ARE YOU SURE YOU DON’T WANT TO COME, KHALED?

MY PARENTS ARE TOO OLD TO MAKE SUCH A TOUGH JOURNEY, FAT IMA AND I HAVE NO KIDS AND I FEEL LIKE

I CAN ST ILL HELP.

REMEMBER ALL THE INST RUCT IONS,

ZARAH.

THE JOURNEY WILL TAKE MANY HOURS.

BE PAT IENT.

Turkey

Syria

YOU’LL ENT ER T URKEY ON FOOT. THERE ARE NO BORDER CONT ROLS WHERE I’M DROPPING YOU OFF.

Tell us when you get there.

Yes Good luck!

Be strong, Zarah

ONCE YOU MAKE IT TO THE TOWN OF KILIS,

TAKE A BUS TO İZMIR.

Turkey

10

IN İZMIR, LOOK FOR A HOSPITAL.

MARIAM, GIVE ME THE PHONE AND T RY TO SLEEP.

ZARAH, WHEN THE KIDS ARE A LITTLE OLDER WE SHOULD ALL GO ON A T RIP

TOGETHER.

HA HA! WHERE WOULD YOU LIKE TO GO?

11

IN THE MORNING, HEAD TO BASMANE SQUARE.

WE WANT TO GO TO GERMANY MY

BROTHER LIVES THERE WITH HIS FAMILY.

THE BUS LEAVES IN FOUR DAYS.

THERE YOU’LL MAKE CONTACT WITH THE PEOPLE WHO WILL ARRANGE

THE T RANSPORT FOR YOU.

1.800 DOLLARS.

NOOOO! I DON’T WANT TO GET ON THE BUS AGAIN!

BE BRAVE, ZARAH. GOOD LUCK.

WE’LL BE IN TOUCH.

12

WHAT?! HEY! YOU’RE LEAVING US HERE?

I’VE GOT A NEW CONTACT !

THEY CAN GET US INTO GREECE IN 10 DAYS.

1.200 MORE

DOLLARS.

NO BAGS OR RUCKSACKS.

13

MUM, IS THIS REALLY THE ONLY WAY?

WITH THEM?

HEY, BOY, YOU’LL BE DRIVING THE DINGHY*.

WHAT, ME?!ALRIGHT.

MARIAM, WE DON’T HAVE MANY OPT IONS. THIS IS WHY THE MAFIAS ARE POPPING UP. WE HAVE NO OPT ION. HELP ME, PLEASE, DAUGHT ER.

THE BOAT’S FOR 20, BUT THERE’S MORE THAN 50 OF US!

I’M SCARED. I CAN’T

SWIM. IT’S COLD.

WOMEN AND CHILDREN IN THE MIDDLE! HURRY

UP OR YOU’LL BE LEFT ON LAND!

*Inflatable boat with engine.

14

WAR RELIGIONPERSECUTION

POVERTYSEXUAL

ORIENTATION

TORTURE

FAMINE

15

?WHEN WILL WE GET THERE?

DON’T WORRY, WE’LL BE THERE

BY SUNRISE.

DOES CARDBOARD FLOAT?

WHAT’S WRONG?

ARE YOU OK? WHAT’S WRONG?

IT’S NOTHING.

SURE? SURE.

WHAAAAA? !

16

ARE THOSE SCREAMS FROM THE

OTHER BOAT?

I THINK SO…

I’M SCARED.AAAAH HELP AAHHHAAAAH

AAAAH GULPGULP ...

17

ARE WE IN GERMANY YET?

18

GERMANY? NO, DAUGHT ER,

WE’RE NOT THERE YET.

SOON, RANA, DON’T WORRY.

I’M COLD.

19

MUM, THEY CAN’T UNDERSTAND EACH OTHER. THEY CAN,

DEEP DOWN.

WHEN’S DAD COMING?

WE NEED TO MAKE A LIST, DO YOU HAVE DOCUMENTAT ION?

NO.YES!

NO.

THOSE WITH DOCUMENTS, YOU’LL GO WITH OUR COLLEAGUES FROM UNHCR*

WHO WILL TAKE YOU TO MORIA.

*United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.

20

IS THIS EUROPE?

CAN WE GO HOME?

WHAT’S WITH ALL THEIR

QUEST IONS?

BRONCHIT IS! BUT WITH THE MEDICINE YOU’LL BE FINE.

21

DO WE HAVE TO QUEUE

EVERY DAY FOR FOOD?

YES, BUT THE LINE FOR

THE TOILET IS WORSE! IT’S

HARD TO STAY CLEAN HERE.

I’M MARIAM. I’M IMAN.

COME WITH ME TOMORROW,

I’LL SHOW YOU WHERE TO GET THE BEST WI-FI SIGNAL.

I T ELL YOU, THERE ARE FLEAS IN THIS SHACK.

BOTH MY T WO KIDS HAVE CONJUNCT IVIT IS.

I’M WORRIED ABOUT MY

KIDS’ FUT URE.

MY DAUGHT ER WON’T TALK ABOUT THE

CONFLICT OR DEATH, BUT HER DRAWINGS DO.

I PRAY FOR THE DAY WE CAN GO BACK TO SYRIA.

I DON’T THINK WE

EVER WILL.

MARIAM, MY ELDEST, SHE’S 15 AND SHE’S LOST

ALL HOPE.

HER CHEST IS ALWAYS T IGHT, SHE CAN’T BREATHE...

IT’S NOT A PHYSICAL PROBLEM…

…AND SHE CAN BARELY SLEEP.

YOU SHOULD GO SEE OUR PSYCHOLOGIST.

22

AND MY SON SALIM IS 5…

…HE’S ONLY REALLY KNOWN WAR.

I NEED TO TAKE THEM FAR AWAY FROM ALL THIS.

DO YOU HAVE ANYTHING FOR FLEA BIT ES?

I CAN’T BEAR TO THINK DAD’S DEAD.

I MISS HIM.ME TOO.

AND ME.

23

DAD’S NEVER COMING,

IS HE?

OH SALIM… SON…

I’M SORRY. WE WANT ED TO FIND THE RIGHT T IME TO T ELL

YOU.

24

I MADE THIS DRAWING TO CHEER

SALIM UP!

MUM……CAN WE LEAVE?

WE DON’T HAVE ENOUGH MONEY, RANA.

…YOU’LL JUST NEED TO SPEND A FEW NIGHTS WITH ME…

I CAN HELP YOU WITH THE MONEY…

WE’RE HERE, MARIAM!

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

YOU CAN SEE THE SKY AND THE

RECEPT ION AND WI-FI ARE GREAT!

25

WHO’S THAT? MY DAD. HE

DIED WHEN THEY BOMBED THE HOSPITAL HE WORKED IN.

MY DAD WANTS ME TO MARRY A BOY I DON’T EVEN KNOW. HE SAYS IT’S THE BEST WAY TO PROT ECT ME…

BUT I LIKE HADI! HE’S SO BRAVE! HE’S GOING

ON HIS OWN TO GERMANY. WHEN HE GETS THERE, HE’LL BRING THE REST

OF HIS FAMILY.

26

DON’T GO OUT AT NIGHT AGAIN.

NO.

I’VE FOUND MY BROTHER! ?

MUM, WHAT’S THAT?

THEY HELP PEOPLE THAT ARE LOST FIND THEIR FAMILIES.

THE WAR HAS SEPARA- T ED MANY FAMILIES.

KIDS, GET YOUR THINGS, WE’RE

LEAVING.

I’LL MISS YOU, IMAN.

WRIT E TO ME!

27

MAN, NOT THE SEA AGAIN.

RANA!

HOW DID YOU GET

THE MONEY?! THAT MAN SAID…

RANA, PLEASE, T ELL ME

WHAT’S WRONG.

RANA, NO!

IN GREECE THEY SAW OUR SIT UAT ION

AND SINCE WE HAVE DOCUMENTS, THEY GAVE US SAFE-PASSAGE

COME NOW, WE’VE GOT A 10-HOUR

FERRY RIDE AHEAD.

IRAQIS

PAKISTANIS SYRIANSAFGHANS

SOMALIANS

THE BEST WAY TO GET TO GERMANY IS THROUGH THE BALKANS.

WE NEED TO GET TO THE IDOMENI CAMP.

MY COUSIN’S IN IDOMENI. IT ’S A DESOLAT E PLACE.

THAT’S WHERE PEOPLE ARE CROSSING

INTO MACEDONIA.

28

I’M HUNGRY.I’M THIRST Y!

I’M SEASICK.

NEARLY THERE!

I’M HUNGRY.I’M THIRST Y!

29

MARIAM, YOU HAVE TO T RY TO CHEER UP.

I KNOW IT’S HARD, BUT DON’T GIVE UP.

WE’LL CROSS THE BORDER SOON, WHEN THE RAIN

STOPS. LET’S TAKE A

PICT URE TOGETHER FOR KHALED.

ALEPPO, SYRIA.

MARIAM, YOU HAVE TO EAT MORE.

MARIAM, T RY TO SLEEP.

OH, SALIM, NOT AGAIN...

SHE’S HAD AN ANXIET Y ATTACK. THIS FAMILY IS

ESPECIALLY VULNERABLE, WE NEED TO FILE A PRIORIT Y REPORT.

30

MULT IFUNCT IONAL CENT RE, ATHENS

THIS IS REALLY SMALL. MARIAM,

DON’T BE LIKE THAT.

FINALLY, A BED!

MUM, THIS ROOF WILL KEEP THE RAIN OUT, WON’T IT?

MUM…

YES, MARIAM?

HOW LONG WILL WE BE HERE? NOT LONG,

WE’RE IN THE EU RELOCAT ION AND RESETTLEMENT PROGRAMME.

BARAJAS AIRPORT.

*EU = European Union

31

2017, BARCELONA.

SALIM!

HOW WAS CLASS?

RANA!

YOU’RE ALWAYS THE LAST ONES OUT!

HI, MARIAM!

AT LEAST WE’RE ALL TOGETHER. IT’S COLD, THERE ISN’T ENOUGH FOOD, IT FEELS UNSAFE AND THE UNCERTAINT Y IS AWFUL.

BUT WE’RE ALIVE.

THE EVACUAT ION OF ALEPPO WAS TOUGH. THE CIT Y’S COMPLET ELY DEST ROYED. SO MANY HAVE DIED…

WE’RE IN THE RIT SONA CAMP. THE T URKEY AGREEMENT CLOSED THE BORDERS, WE DON’T KNOW

WHEN WE’LL MOVE ON.

HOW ARE WE? THEY’VE ACCEPT ED OUR ASYLUM REQUEST.

IF THEY DENY US REFUGEE STAT US, WE’LL BECOME IRREGULAR IMMIGRANTS.

NOW WE WAIT. IT’S A LONG PROCESS AND I’M NERVOUS… I JUST KEEP THINKING ABOUT THE KIDS. THEY SHOULDN’T

BE GOING THROUGH ALL THIS.

THE PAPERWORK IS COMPLICAT ED, LUCKILY A LAWYER FROM THE RED CROSS IS HELPING. WE GET SUPPORT TO LIVE AN INDEPENDENT LIFE.

LASTLY, THE FINAL REFUGEE DOCUMENT.

THEN A RED CARD THAT LETS US WORK.

FIRSTLY THE GOVERNMENT GIVES YOU THE WHIT E CARD.

HAHAHA

32

THE KIDS HAVE PICKED UP THE LANGUAGE, I HELP

OUT AT A LOCAL CENT RE TO PRACT ISE.

IT’S ST ILL ONLY T EMPORARY, THOUGH. I NEED A JOB TO RENT

A FLAT. IT WON’T BE EASY.

BUT WE’RE WELL. SOMET IMES I DON’T KNOW HOW I’LL MANAGE, OR IF I’LL GET THE REFUGEE STAT US.

SMELLS GREAT !

IT’S HARD TO FIND WORK NOW. BUT WE’RE TOGETHER.

MARIAM AND THE KIDS ARE HAPPY AT SCHOOL.

I HOPE THE SIT UAT ION FOR THE REFUGEES GETS BETT ER SOON.

AFT ER LUNCH WE’LL CALL

YOUR UNCLE IN GERMANY.

AND FOR DESSERT… BAKLAVA!

BAKLAVA!

OH, DAD’S FAVOURIT E!

WE’RE NOT DOING TOO BAD HERE IN THE T EMPORARY HOUSING. WE’RE SHARING A

FLAT WITH A GIRL FROM IRAQ.

THE 7 FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES OF THE RED CROSS

HumanityThe International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, born of a desire to bring assistance without discrimination to the wounded on the battlefield, endeavours, in its international and national capacity, to prevent and alleviate human suffering wherever it may be found. Its purpose is to protect life and health and to ensure respect for the human being. It promotes mutual understanding, friendship, cooperation and lasting peace amongst all peoples.

ImpartialityIt makes no discrimination as to nationality, race, religious beliefs, class or political opinions. It endeavours to relieve the suffering of individuals, being guided solely by their needs, and to give priority to the most urgent cases of distress.

NeutralityIn order to continue to enjoy the confidence of all, the Movement may not take sides in hostilities or engage at any time in controversies of a political, racial, religious or ideological nature.

IndependenceThe Movement is independent. The National Societies, while auxiliaries in the humanitarian services of their governments and subject to the laws of their respective countries, must always maintain their autonomy so that they may be able at all times to act in accordance with the principles of the Movement.

Voluntary serviceIt is a voluntary relief movement not prompted in any manner by desire for gain.

UnityThere can be only one Red Cross or one Red Crescent Society in anyone country. It must be open to all. It must carry on its humanitarian work throughout its territory.

UniversalityThe International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, in which all Societies have equal status and share equal responsibilities and duties in helping each other, is worldwide.

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In collaboration with:

WHEN I CLOSE M

Y EYES, I REMEM

BERCRISTIN

A B

UENO

Syria: bombings, snipers and looting have destroyed Aleppo. Zarah mourns for her city as she makes a difficult decision: she doesn’t want to leave, but she has to think about her children. The trip to Europe is a treacherous one, full of dangers and threats unknown, but also one of hope as she glimpses the chance to start a new life free of violence.

This is Zarah’s story, but it is also the story of thousands of women, boys and girls who journey along the migratory routes. A forced trip for the many who dream of finally reaching their destination.

FORRO CARTONE CUANDO ABRO LOS OJOS english.indd 1 6/6/18 15:58