Photo exhibition highlights plight of refugees

Amelia Collins

26 June 2013

The first setting for On Solid Ground couldn't be more appropriate. This photographic exhibition is in the crypt of St Martin-in-the-Fields, Trafalgar Square. St Martin-in-the-Fields works tirelessly for homeless people, many of whom are refugees.

The exhibition features portraits and interviews by world-renowned photographers who visited communities in Burundi, Kenya, Pakistan, Croatia, Mali, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Jordan. The people on camera have been caught up in some of the world's worst humanitarian crises. 

The show is staged by International Rescue Committee (IRC), the European Commission's Humanitarian Aid and Civil Protection department (ECHO) and Panos Pictures.

 
Rachel, outside her home in Bulengo IDP camp, DRC.
© Sven Torfinn/Panos Pictures/The IRC

At the opening Kristalina Georgieva, European Commissioner for International Cooperation, reminded everyone that climate change is a major cause of displacement for millions of refugees around the world.

A staggering 10 million people - almost 75% of the world's refugee population - have no immediate hope of returning to their home.

The exhibition design cleverly echoes the theme of home. Each outdoor stand resembles a tent, the only thing many displaced people have to call home. Photos of floors in the homes of the people interviewed lie across the jerry cans weighing each stand down.

The organisers worked hard to ensure the exhibition was as sustainable as possible. Water, a particularly precious resource for refugees, was taken from the canal to fill the jerry cans and will be returned there on 31 July when the exhibition tours Europe. 

Catch it while you can and enjoy a coffee at the new outdoor cafe in St Martin-in-the-Fields yard. 

Amelia Collins, Creative Communications team

Teaser image: Shugna, holding their daughter Kawila, and Marjee in their house in Pakistan. The house was destroyed by floods and had to be rebuilt in 2012.