Illustrating access to water for transit populations in the north of France, “Point d’eau” - French for water point or no water - denounces the French government’s non-welcoming policies towards migrants. The project highlights the solidarity and hospitality of citizens in response to the government’s negligence. The deprivation of water is used to discourage migrants who, passing through France, wish to reach the United Kingdom.
I started the project in August 2017 a few weeks after the local ngos won a court battle forcing the right-wing mayor of Calais, Natacha Bouchard, to provide access to safe water and sanitation, food distribution points and appropriate shelter. The ruling refers to Article 1 and Article 3 of the European Union Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, living a life of dignity and prohibiting the inhumane treatment of any persons.
Despite the court ruling, the Regional and local government of Calais, including others of the North, have been implementing a “no fixation point” policy to impede the creation of another “Jungle”, the shanty town in Calais demolished in October 2016. This translates into barely meeting basic rights, such as the right to safe water and sanitation, and the daily destruction of temporary shelters.
However, French citizens continue to set examples of solidarity and resistance by opening their homes to homeless migrants. Many of the participants preferred to remain anonymous, in fear for their personal safety. Many migrants also feared their families would see them living in such inhumane conditions. The challenge of anonymity allowed me to develop the idea of documenting spaces and details related to access to water and sanitation. The images invite the viewer to a space of self-care, from an outdoor kitchen to a private bathroom.
I started the project in August 2017 a few weeks after the local ngos won a court battle forcing the right-wing mayor of Calais, Natacha Bouchard, to provide access to safe water and sanitation, food distribution points and appropriate shelter. The ruling refers to Article 1 and Article 3 of the European Union Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, living a life of dignity and prohibiting the inhumane treatment of any persons.
Despite the court ruling, the Regional and local government of Calais, including others of the North, have been implementing a “no fixation point” policy to impede the creation of another “Jungle”, the shanty town in Calais demolished in October 2016. This translates into barely meeting basic rights, such as the right to safe water and sanitation, and the daily destruction of temporary shelters.
However, French citizens continue to set examples of solidarity and resistance by opening their homes to homeless migrants. Many of the participants preferred to remain anonymous, in fear for their personal safety. Many migrants also feared their families would see them living in such inhumane conditions. The challenge of anonymity allowed me to develop the idea of documenting spaces and details related to access to water and sanitation. The images invite the viewer to a space of self-care, from an outdoor kitchen to a private bathroom.