In the TEDxNTUA video titled “How the Mediterranean became the most Dangerous Sea for Refugees,” journalist Iasonas Apostolopoulos examines the harrowing journey that refugees undertake to cross the Mediterranean Sea in search of safety and a better life. Apostolopoulos outlines the complex factors that have contributed to the Mediterranean becoming a deadly route for migrants, including political instability, conflict, and lack of safe legal pathways for migration.
Through powerful storytelling and compelling evidence, Apostolopoulos sheds light on the human tragedy unfolding in the Mediterranean, where thousands of lives have been lost in desperate attempts to reach Europe. He highlights the importance of addressing the root causes of migration, as well as the need for compassionate and humane responses to the refugee crisis.
Overall, this TEDxNTUA video offers a poignant and thought-provoking look at the realities facing refugees crossing the Mediterranean and calls for urgent action to prevent further loss of life and ensure the protection of vulnerable migrants.
Watch the video by TEDxTalks
Author Video Description
The refugee crisis in the Mediterranean has been in the news for more than a decade, with debates about what should be done about it and why it is happening, rising all around Europe. A refugee rescuer lets us have a glimpse into his experiences at sea, while trying to save human lives. Iasonas Apostolopoulos has studied Civil Engineering at the NTUA and has worked as a hospital construction engineer with Doctors Without Borders in missions in Africa. He started getting involved in refugee rescues in 2015 in Lesvos, co-creating the organization “Platanos Refugee Solidarity Lesvos”. Since then, he has actively participated in search and rescue operations in the Aegean Sea and in the Central Mediterranean. Currently, he is the rescue coordinator of the Italian humanitarian organization “Mediterranean Saving Humans”, onboard the Mare Jonio rescue vessel. Most of his public interventions refer to the issue of border violence and pushbacks from Greece and Italy. He has been awarded internationally for his humanitarian action, while his articles and interviews have been featured in the Greek and international press, including the BBC, the Guardian and Le Monde. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
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TEDx is an international community that organizes TED-style events anywhere and everywhere — celebrating locally-driven ideas and elevating them to a global stage. TEDx events are produced independently of TED conferences, each event curates speakers on their own, but based on TED’s format and rules.
Video “How the Mediterranean became the most Dangerous Sea for Refugees | Iasonas Apostolopoulos | TEDxNTUA” was uploaded on 10/14/2024 to Youtube Channel TEDx Talks