Watch Surviving torture “We all know the problems in Somalia,” says Mohamed. “There are two problems: fighting problems and clan problems. I left because of these two problems…”
Watch Fahad’s years on the run Fahad began his irregular journey at the age of 13. “It was never my intention to embark on a journey to Europe,” says Fahad, a young Somalian man in his twenties who was born and raised in Mogadishu. When Fahad was 13 years old, Al-Shabaab forcefully tried to recruit him. It was then that he made the decision to run away to Ethiopia. He ran away without his family’s knowledge, in fear that they would be forcefully asked to reveal his whereabouts.
Listen Abdi's unforgettable journey Abdi was 17 when he embarked on his irregular journey in 2014. He felt the need to leave Somalia due to what he describes as a difficult situation—living in a war-torn area. Abdi left on his own, leaving his family behind, with an aim of getting to Europe. Despite allowing him to embark on the journey, Abdi’s family was oblivious of the dangers associated with it.
Watch Hassan’s decision Hassan had heard about the difficulties that come with an irregular journey, but he decided to try his luck anyway. His family did not support his decision to embark on the journey and tried to discourage him. But Hassan’s mind was already made up. His focus was locked on the destination and the new standard of life it represented.
Watch Amina’s perilous journey Al Shabaab sentenced her to death for defying their rules. That’s when she decided to run away, and embark upon a journey which she had limited knowledge about.
Watch Merhawit’s recollections Merhawit left Eritrea by crossing the Ethiopian border and was registered at one of the UNHCR refugee camps. Like many others hoping to reach Europe, she departed within a week and headed for Sudan.
Watch Muhiim’s story Muhiim begun her irregular journey from Somalia in 2012 at the age of 17. As a teenager she was kidnapped, sexually abused and tortured by armed groups who had also wanted to marry her off. Luckily she was able to escape and get into Ethiopia. Whilst in Ethiopia, recuperating from the wounds inflicted on her, she became acquainted with the journey to Europe.
Watch An unforgettable ordeal Like many young Eritrean men, Yohannes first sought asylum in Ethiopia and lived in a refugee camp there. Nine months later he was granted the opportunity to study at Mekelle University in Ethiopia, majoring in a three year Business Management Program. Upon graduation, unable to secure a job as a refugee, he was forced to go back to the refugee camp where he stayed for a year. Frustrated over waiting, he decided to embark on the journey to Europe.
Listen Ibrahim Abdi’s story of Tahriib Ibrahim Abdi is 16 years old and was born in the city of Jijiga in the Somali region of Ethiopia. He decided to take the hazardous journey to Europe to pursue a better life.