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.
10 June 2026
It is pouring rain as we arrive with the Refugee Women Center. Women are standing in a line. A few...
Read More
Rob and colleagues, Over the past two weeks, I was in Greece, visiting our partner organizations that offer the last...
Read More
21 May 2026
I don’t really want to say this. I don’t want to think it and I don’t want to feel it....
Read More
Eight representatives from embassies, the EU, UNHCR, and IOM listened to the experiences of 23 small grassroots NGOs from across...
Read More
“Every year more people drown while crossing the Channel. In 2024, as many as in the previous six years combined.”...
Read More
Elise Kant, director of Haella, came to visit. Outspoken and passionate, a real hands-on type. During a sabbatical on Lesbos,...
Read More
Last night, I wanted to write a post saying that closing borders equals murder. Which it does — even if...
Read More
Since I returned from Lesbos, I’ve spoken with many people and addressed various gatherings. I find it important — and...
Read More
Oh come on, Ms. Faber. Please stop with this dreadful nonsense. It’s not even about the medals themselves — it’s...
Read More
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...
Read More
We have a dedicated bank account for private donations:
You can transfer your donation to:
Bank name: ABN AMRO Bank
IBAN: NL40 ABNA 0138 9831 86
BIC: ABNANL2AXXX
Account holder: Haella Stichting
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