What We Stand For
BVMN is an independent, horizontal, self-organised network of NGOs, associations and collectives that monitors human rights violations at and within European borders and advocates to stop violence against people on the move.
Working to end border violence
We act in solidarity with those affected by border violence irrespective of their status, and are built on anti-fascist and anti-racist values. We challenge existing border regimes and propose viable alternatives. We believe in freedom of movement, the right to seek safety, and legal passages. Our aim is to end the violence and injustice deriving from the discriminatory European migration regime and the politics of criminalisation of people on the move. We envision accountable institutions which respect human rights and dignity whilst upholding the rule of law.
BVMN was created in 2017 when several NGOs and collectives became aware of violent pushbacks of people on the move along the so-called Balkan Route and began to document these cases. We have since developed a common framework and methodology for recording testimonials and supporting evidence that is published in our open source database, which acts as a living archive. These testimonies provide detailed, personal descriptions of the incidents, which are paired with further evidence, including accounts of mistreatment, pictures of injuries sustained, and medical documents. We monitor and document the situation on the ground by recentering lived experiences, and collect evidence to hold those responsible for border violence to account.
BVMN relies on the participation and cooperation of its members, other allied organisations and their teams, each of whom contributes to our collective work in line with their area of expertise. We pride ourselves on the spirit of horizontality, allowing space for all members to guide the vision and direction of the Network.
We also publish monthly reports that summarise pushbacks and other types of border violence in Europe. These reports provide an overview of changes, trends, and specific notable cases in a variety of geographical areas monitored by the Network, as well as accounts of escalating violence, excessive use of force, cases of alleged torture and others key issues. These reports are publicly available and represent a useful tool to study the details of migration management.
In addition, we produce Research reports that address specific developments within the scope of our work that warrant further discussion or more detailed analysis.
Our testimonies and reports serve as a basis for the Network’s multi-jurisdictional advocacy efforts to denounce border violence and pursue accountability of those responsible for it.