The video is about Frontex and how the EU in general deals with the problem of so called “illegal immigrants”, often refugees from Africa,  that try to reach Europe by crossing the Mediterranean Sea. There are claims that many refugees die as a result of Frontex activity. Border guards regularly catch people in small boats trying to reach Europe. There seems to be evidence that border guards force these people to return to their countries in those small boats and without enough food, water, equipment.  This practice  is not  allowed under the European Convention on Human Rights which obviously contradicts all the talk of Europe being at the forefront of defending human rights…

Moreover, the video also mentions  that Frontex and EDA are likely to use  more sophisticated military equipment in the fight against immigrants in the future. This poses the question whether the EU actually  ‘militarises’ its  external borders and whether that is a desirable outcome…

Total Denial is the story of a historic lawsuit: Fifteen villagers from the jungles of Burma bringing suit against a giant oil corporation for human-rights abuses, in U.S. courts. After ten years of fierce legal battles, the impossible victory.”

At the same time the outcome of the lawsuit will change the legal framework for corporations worldwide. For the first time a company was sued for human rights violations committed overseas. Even though this case was possible in the US under the Alien Torts Claim Act (a law introduced in 1789!) similar cases are pending in Europe (for example in France and Belgium). Here is the trailer:

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KXGpvZvhyl0]

After the movie the director Milena Kaneva shared her thoughts about the implications of the movie with the audience which was indeed an inspiring and very interesting experience. However, the movie is still in need for some additional funding and support (distribution, DVD production…) … so if you have a some spare money or if you know a potential funding institution go to the sponsorship section of the official homepage… (Normally I do not use this blog for fundraising purposes but this is an exception: this documentary is definitely worth it!)