Berlin to Croatia

I donated, now it's your turn.

I donated, now it's your turn.

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Congratulations Ignacio and good luck Terre des Hommes with the campaign

A WORD OF THANKS for your support while I was on my “trail”. Your kind words of encouragement on Facebook, emails and text messages gave me the sense that I was not alone.

For the AWARENESS, DO ME FAVOUR AND SHARE THIS POST:

1. THIS IS THE LANGUAGE WE WANT - For the principles concerning children on the move to which governments have made commitments to: http://destination-unknown.org/9recommended-principles/

2. THIS IS THE ACCOUNTABILITY NEEDED - Because governments and other stakeholders have alos to be accountable for the protection of these children. See concrete goals, targets and indicators http://destination-unknown.org/now-available-the-working-document-on-ch…

3. THESE ARE SOLUTIONS - Because implementation is what matters, see the work of Destination Unknown over five 5 years. http://destination-unknown.org/happy-fifth-birthday-destination-unknown/

4. To very many, A WORD OF THANKS for individual and collective generosity on the crowdFUNDING. For those who intend to contribute but… wanted to check out if I was able to complete the challenge ?, the crowdfunding is open until 31st July. The Danube is made of drops.

http://destination-unknown.org/ignacio-sports-challenge/

Encounters of humanity along my life comfort me in the belief that through dedication and hard work, change can happen. If the collective world conscience develops optimism, we really have a chance to pull ourselves out of the “use and them mentality”.

The Berlin-Croatia challenge was also an “anti-chamber” to help me leave Terre des Hommes after 17 years. I will now be exploring exciting options to continue to grow and challenge myself in new ways. People have made me happy. Colleagues, allies, friends, children, youth…. and above all, Denise and my children. And this will continue.

They are, you are, the charming gardeners for my soul to blossom.

Be happy.

Live with passions.

DONE!!! 1'250KM in 9 days. A last day with 144km down the Danube to Vokovar. A pretty demanding day but so enjoyfull. Late arrival to Vukovat under full moon. I will post more soon. Thanks for your great support

Day 9 of 9 – Sunday 9th July – Kayaking

Catching up :) - See alos post 10th July 01:31

9 days and 9 principles for the protection of children on the move.

Baja (Hungary) to Vukovar (Croatia)

148 kilometers

9. Children have a right to express their views freely in all matters affecting them and to have their views taken into consideration in accordance with their age, maturity and understanding of the options available

Push backs of children on the move to the border by the Croatian law enforcement are regularly reported. Despite the legal framework, these children are denied access to information, legal representation and guardianship. As I paddled down the Danube to my final destination, Vukovar in Croatia, I recall the suffering in this town. The Battle of Vukovar was an 87-day siege of Vukovar by the Yugoslav People's Army, supported by various paramilitary forces from Serbia, between August and November 1991. Before the Croatian War of Independence the Baroque town was a prosperous, mixed community of Croats, Serbs and other ethnic groups. A mentality of “us and them” which denied freedom of expression and nurtured hate and so much suffering. A long reconciliation process ongoing. Will we ever learn?

Day 8 of 9 of the "Berlin to Croatia". Almost there but still without a computer to sens a few extra photos and mainly tell you more about principle 8 for thr protection of children on the move and other children affected by migration. First thank you for so much encouragement I am receiving. Today I finished the 85km kayaking with a smile on the face, weak arms and blisters on the hands. Some 30'000 padle strokes... (I didn t count all tha way, just for a while and did some maths. I am not insane). Tomorrow the "big day" with 135km to reach Vukovar touching also on the Serbian border. I will get there... no matter how late. I can stay late in ed on Monday

Day 7 of 9 of the Berlin-Croatia challenge for children on the move. I could not have access to a computer so leave for later to tel you about principle 7 for children on the move and other children affected by migration. For those who wish to follow daily: great start in Budapest on my kayak waved by friends (Judith, Fanny and Carl). A great very full day leaving me exhausted but happy. Great nature, pretty tough, good time for myself in the middle of nature I completed 96km kayaking.... and a bit more planed for tomorrow. Almost there....

Day 6 of 9 – Thursday 6th July – Running

9 days and 9 principles for the protection of children on the move.

Kormano (Hungary) to Budapest (Hungary)

82 kilometers

6. No child is illegal – Children should be protected against all forms of discrimination

With the entry into force of a new law in 2017, children on the move in Hungary above the age of 14 are being detained based on their migration status, without having committed any offence as per international law. In a recent ruling, the European Court of Human Rights has condemned the practice of Hungarian authorities to confine asylum seekers in guarded compounds, considered to be a de facto detention, also applicable to children.

Started off at 5:00 am and arrived by 7pm. A marathon in the morning and another one in the afternoon under a wave of heat. It is about getting a good (though slow) tempo and sticking to it. Fanny welcomed me at Budapest with my kayak. I get leave my shoes behind and enter in the last part of the challenge: some 300 to 350 km down to Vukovar in Croatia. Judith, Carl and Fanny will wave me off tomorrow from the brodge close to Parliament.

Day 5 of 9 – Wednesday 5th July – Running

9 days and 9 principles for the protection of children on the move.

Bratislava (Slovakia) to Kormano (Slovakia)

88 kilometers

5. Children during all phases of migration shall not be separated from their parents or primary caregivers (unless it is in their best interest)

I have left my bicycle in Vienna and set off for three days of running across Slovakia and then to Budapest. Running is a real joy for me, an opportunity to be outdoors and to meet new people. It seems to have always benefited my health and well-being and allows me to offer something back to the world. Offering something back to society is the ambition of so many children who have been on this migration route to join parents and care givers from which they were separated from. My voyage is quite different o theirs but come to my mind all the children who in dire straits received comfort from people full of humanity. I can only feel gratitude for those who welcome.

Go Ignacio! together for all children, especially those who are on the move and face challenges!

I donated, now it's your turn.

Et hop un petit billet dans la tirelire pour une belle cause et un incroyable Ignacio !

J'ai fait un don, à vous de jouer maintenant.

Congratulations, Ignacio! I am so inspired and impressed. Wishing you well from NYC and hope to meet again soon!

Wauw Ignacio, what an amazing challenge, adventure and grand finale of your time with TdH. Thanks for everything and I wish you the best of luck on this exciting journey!

And if you want to encourage me, please donate for this MyTdh campaign.

Day 4 of 9 – Tuesday 4th July – Running

9 days and 9 principles for the protection of children on the move. 1 250 KM Berlin=Croatia

Vienna (Austria) to Bratislava (Slovakia)

64 kilometers

4. The detention of children because of their or their parents’ migration status constitutes a child rights violation

Praise to the Slovak Supreme Court’s ruling where the detention of an asylum-seeking woman and her three children was deemed unlawful, because no other alternatives to detention had been considered. There is an urgent need to implement alternatives to detention for refugee and migrant children and families.

Transition for the leg muscles from bike to running Arrived well in Bratislava for an evening with view on the Danube I dehydrated well as sun was out and intense most of the day Approx 1,5 liters of liquid per hour Heavy legs but hope to be strong enough for the Day 5 Thinking and antI chamber to something different progressing

Day 3 of 9 – Monday 3rd July – Cycling

9 days and 9 principles for the protection of children on the move.

Pelhrimov (Czech republic) to Vienna (Austria)

202 kilometers

Children have the right to liberty of movement within their State, and to leave their State and any other

In Austria, children on the move are restricted to the district where the reception centre is, so they cannot move around. In some cases this means they cannot see their family, friends or legal counsel.

All children are gifted. We are all gifted. We all have something to offer. Whether as the truck driver who almost knocked me down on the road, the border control officer when entering Austria or the shop keeper in a remote Czech village. All these gifts create energy that is moving us in the right direction. In these times of violations, what we do matters, regardless of how insignificant it is. The point is that we should be optimistic and engaged. In that way, not only is what we do benefit to others, it is also personally satisfying and leads to happiness. A win-win situation.

Great 5 star welcome at Isabelle’s. A great day again.

Day 2 of 9 – Sunday 2nd July – Cycling

9 days and 9 principles for the protection of children on the move.

Tisa (Czech republic) to Pelhrimov (Czech republic)

232 kilometers

2. All children have the right to life, survival and development

Throughout the migration cycle, refugee and migrant children face a heightened risk of violence, abuse and exploitation compared to Czech children. The Czech child protection actors should therefore bear primary responsibility for refugee and migrant children whenever these children are in contact with the Czech migration authorities. Super day with a stop over in Prague.

Day 1 of 9 – Saturday 1st July – Cycling

9 days and 9 principles for the protection of children on the move.

Berlin (Germany) to Tisa (Czech Republic)

280 kilometers

Children on the move and other children affected by migration shall be considered children first and foremost and their best interests shall be a primary consideration in all actions concerning them

My work with Terre des Hommes has given me the opportunity to travel around the world. Brandenburg Gate was very cosmopolitan this morning with friends and colleagues from civil society, governments and UN agencies to wave me off. Coming from at least 15 nationalities, I am struck by the blatant interdependence that connects us all. Thank ow friends. The Global Forum on Migration brought us to Berlin this week. A Forum, co-chaired by the German government, in which I was given the opportunity yesterday to address the governments at the Foreign Ministry to remind them that migrant children are entitled to a best interest assessment. The child’s best interests determination is universal. It is a legal and moral obligation.

Talking about determination, my friend François has joined me to cycle up to Vienna for the first 3 days of my challenge. Joint determination will always lead further than the individual determination.

Despite the wet Weather, we arrived well but late at Tisa in the Czech Republic. Great day.

Thank you, Ignacio, for all the inspiration, energy, passion, and commitment you are spreading on this planet. I feel privileged being able to support your courageous adventure for a great cause. Take care and simply the best!

Magnifique, Ignacio! Courage et plein de plaisir quand même !

Good luck, Ignacio, may God always be with you! Keep inspiring us :-)

The last four years I've collected coins in a jar in my office with the objective to donate the total sum to a campaign when I would leave my current job. What better initiative to support than this one!! Vola Ignacio, siamo sempre con te e con i bambini!

Thank you Ignacio for challenging us with your own challenge for children on the move!

Vaiiiiiii ignacio! De tout cœur avec toi et rendez vous après à Vercorin !

Most of us have been Children on the Move, all of us feel with them. We are happy to support amazing Ignacio in his adventurous quest for Children's Rights. Go, Nacho!

I am a firm believer in John Lennon's Imagine and I believe that persons like Ignacio embody and carry forward the message to make it alive and happening. I humbly acknowledge that from my position of privilege the least I can do is contribute financially to make life for children better anywhere there is a need.

Trop heureux de te passer le témoin ... Ton challenge est fou et donc j'adore.

Que la force soit avec toi!!!

13 donors and CHF 822.- already! Thank you so much for your kind words and donations. Let's reach CHF 5'000.- by the end of this challenge!

Go on Ignacio ! I will be behind you at every step, paddle and pedal stroke. see you in Berlin first !

I will leave Tdh the same day end of June than you. You inspired me (beyond child rights..) to do at least one day of your sportive challenge. On Saturday I put my mountain bike early morning on a blacktop road in Kathmandu climbing 3000 m on several passes and reaching the Indian border after 212 km late afternoon. All the best for 9 of these days of your amazing tour. (Already one day was hard...).

Go Ignacio!

Magnifique défi! Bonne chance :-)

Fuerza Ignacio! Un esfuerzo enorme de tu parte por una causa aún más importante!!! Todo lo mejor!

What a challenge Ignacio! But if there's someone who can do this, it's you! Bon courage, Marlieske

We are looking forward to welcome Ignacio in Budapest and assist him along his way!

Ignacio you are such an amazing person

Respect!

I donated, now it's your turn.

Cher Ignacio,

Je te félicite pour cette initiative. Je te souhaite plein succès dans ton fabuleux défi sportif. En toute amitié. Pascal

Find here the 9 Principles to guide actions concerning children on the move :)

Go Ignacio!

Let's do this!

A short video about my project