Take a Closer Look

Human Rights Watch and ici Barbès challenge perceptions of migrants with the Campaign “Take a Closer Look” #WithHumanity

Over the last decade, more than 30,500 people have died or been reported missing in the Mediterranean Sea, with at least 1600 dead or missing since January 2024 alone1. Behind these numbers are families, children, and individuals fleeing conflicts, poverty, or climate crises, risking dangerous journeys for a chance at safety.

To shed light on the reality of these people and bring human rights back to the forefront of migration policies, Human Rights Watch and ici Barbès have launched an awareness campaign.

The #WithHumanity “Take a Closer Look” campaign uses the metaphor of binoculars to encourage everyone to closely examine the reality of migrants as well as the responsibilities of institutions in the European Union to save lives at sea. The campaign employs an authentic and immersive aesthetic, blending paper textures, collages, and striking contrasts between impactful typography and intimate visuals. Sincere portraits amplify emotion and invite viewers to take a closer look at the reality of refugees and rescuers.

Launched primarily on social media on October 31, the multilingual campaign is intended for European citizens in English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, and Swedish. It features social media contents, a landing page, and a 1:30 film released on December 9.

Since its launch, the campaign has significantly increased visibility for a Human Rights Watch website and petition, which has already garnered more than 50,000 visits. The petition calls on the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, Frontex, to do all it can to help ensure that people on unseaworthy boats are rescued and brought to safety.