Blog: Elise on the edges of civilization
Elise Kant (1965) has been the director of the Haella Foundation since 2019. After working in war zones in previous roles, she has become closely involved with the situation of refugees on the fringes of Europe. “What we see there is that, as Europe, we have abandoned civilization and are detaining people in a dehumanized system.” That is why this blog is called: Elise on the Edges of Civilization.
Her profile can be viewed on LinkedIn.
The Haella Foundation has a special focus on this issue and works to raise awareness among donors and individuals, hoping to increase engagement with the cause.
At the moment, Elise is in Lesbos, temporarily volunteering for Fenix in advocacy and wherever extra hands are needed.
She maintains a blog about the situation in Greece, with a particular focus on Lesbos.
Eight representatives from embassies, the EU, UNHCR, and IOM listened to the experiences of 23 small grassroots NGOs from across...
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“Every year more people drown while crossing the Channel. In 2024, as many as in the previous six years combined.”...
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Elise Kant, director of Haella, came to visit. Outspoken and passionate, a real hands-on type. During a sabbatical on Lesbos,...
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Last night, I wanted to write a post saying that closing borders equals murder. Which it does — even if...
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Since I returned from Lesbos, I’ve spoken with many people and addressed various gatherings. I find it important — and...
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Oh come on, Ms. Faber. Please stop with this dreadful nonsense. It’s not even about the medals themselves — it’s...
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27 March 2025 /
Reflection
In all the stories about injustice and lack, sorrow and helplessness, there’s also the one about the wondrous nature of...
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Trust as a Starting and Ending Point The two most common questions or remarks I get when I travel to...
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Maybe it’s a good thing that it never becomes normal—the things that simply shouldn’t be, that leave a knot in...
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18 March 2025 /
Migration
The recurring theme in conversations over the past days has been the invisibility of problems. Munir speaks about Sudan, his...
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Reference: General donation or Donation – Borders of Europe
Background
Humanitarian Abuses at Europe’s Borders
Encounters with aid workers at the outer borders of Europe.
Haella Foundation, field visit to Lesbos, Athens, and Thessaloniki – April 2024
Download the report (in Dutch): 2024-Haella-Griekenland.pdf