Breaking the Chains

About the Project

Children and young people fleeing traffickers, blood feuds, honour-based violence and organised crime in Albania have a less than 0.5% chance of securing protection at first instance when seeking asylum in the UK.

Breaking the Chains is a partnership project developed by Shpresa Programme and MiCLU, the Migrant and Refugee Children’s Legal Unit at Islington Law Centre. Working closely with barristers at Garden Court Chambers and with Albanian children and young people seeking asylum, Breaking the Chains is founded on the principle that children and young people need to be listened to – and this should inform every aspect of the policy and practice issues that affect their lives.

At the heart of the Breaking the Chains project is a group of children and young people trained as Immigration Champions. They advocate for their peers, train lawyers and speak at high profile public events where they describe their lived experience of being trafficked and fleeing violence and abuse.

Breaking the Chains seeks to affect policy, practice and the law to bring about lasting changes in the way vulnerable children and young people are treated when they seek asylum by placing their voices and experiences front and centre in a system which so frequently silences them.

‘“Just say that we are human beings. We are just children, like other children.”

COMMUNITY MEMBER

Breaking the Chains

'Forget My Name' - Short Movie

Dive into the poignant narrative of Arber, a young Albanian man whose quest for a better life in the UK unfolds through our animated series. From the rustic landscapes of Albania to the bustling streets of London, Arber’s story is one of stark contrasts—between hope and hardship, and fortune and misfortune. Each frame of our sketch-style animation captures the essence of his emotional journey, revealing the struggles and resilience of those who dare to dream of a new beginning. Join us as we trace Arber’s steps in search of safety and belonging, navigating the paths of ‘Lucky’ and ‘Unlucky’ in a world that often blurs the lines between them. Discover his story, remember his name, and see the world through his eyes.

Short Movies

Introducing ‘Breaking the Chains: My Story’ Series

Experience the compelling journey of young Albanian asylum seekers in our series, ‘Breaking the Chains: My Story’. Delve into their raw and poignant tales as they navigate the complexities of the asylum process, supported by Shpresa Programme and MiCLU.

From the initial journey to the UK to the final hurdles in their quest for safety and sanctuary, each part of this series offers a unique perspective on the asylum journey. Created by the Young People at Shpresa Programme with the support of MiCLU, these stories highlight the importance of advocacy, support systems, and community solidarity in the face of adversity.

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Our Campaigns

Free Travel for Asylum Seekers

Join our travel campaign featuring “OVER THE GATE,” an animated movie that delves into the unique challenges young asylum seekers face while navigating the complexities of travel in a new city. Rendered in a distinctive pencil-sketched style with subdued colors, the series portrays Besnik, a young Albanian asylum seeker in London, who confronts the isolation and limitations imposed by his uncertain status. Each episode highlights the critical choices he faces, symbolizing the crossroads between hope and despair. Experience Besnik’s journey as he navigates through the barriers to travel, sharing moments of camaraderie with friends and confronting stark realities. This series invites viewers to explore the profound emotional landscape of hope, challenge, and redemption, emphasizing how travel restrictions shape the lives of asylum seekers. Witness Besnik’s story as he seeks a path to forgiveness and a brighter tomorrow, and understand the impact of travel constraints on young asylum seekers.

Reports and publications

The young people whom we work with have contributed or co-authored a number of reports and publications on migrant and refugee children and young people. They are regularly called upon for their lived experiences input or advice from different institutions. All of which you are able to download from here and on the MICLU website here .