Welcome to our blog, where we delve into the treacherous journey migrants and refugees take across the Sahara Desert. As Vincent Cochetel of the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) explains to Vatican News, this journey is often more deadly than crossing the Mediterranean Sea.
In the latest report titled “On this journey, no one cares if you live or die,” published by the UNHCR, the International Organization for Migration (IOM), and the Mixed Migration Centre (MMC), interviews with 32,000 migrants and refugees reveal the grim reality of this journey. They speak of witnessing bodies strewn across the Sahara sands and the fear of dying while fleeing their countries. Over 60% of those who make it to Libya see it as their final destination.
As Cochetel highlights, crossing the Sahara poses various dangers, including attacks by criminal gangs, sexual violence, and extortion from smugglers. The desert serves as a graveyard for many, with deaths often going unnoticed. Compared to the Mediterranean route, the Sahara remains a hidden tragedy.
Moving forward, it is crucial for international organizations to address these issues and provide support to those in need. Efforts to improve assistance on these Saharan routes, protect migrants and refugees, and prevent further loss of lives are paramount. Through collaboration and dedication, we can make a difference and offer hope to those embarking on this perilous journey.
Join us as we explore the complexities of migration and the challenges faced by those seeking a better life amidst harsh conditions. Stay tuned for more insights and stories on this critical humanitarian issue.
