According to a new report by the UN refugee agency (UNHCR), Spain became the main route for refugees and migrants to seek entry to Europe in 2018, and the death toll for people crossing the Western Mediterranean to reach the country has increased four-fold in a year.
Hamidou’s search for safety took two years as he made a perilous trip from home in Mali to southern Spain, where he now seeks asylum.
Hamidou was just 20 years old when he was forced to flee violence and threats in his home country.
His journey took him across Niger, Algeria and Morocco. During this time, he was beaten, robbed and forced to work for free. When he finally reached the shores of northern Morocco, Hamidou spent weeks hiding in the forest in Nador, until he was able to board a boat for Spain. Once again, he put his life in risk, crossing the deadly sea passage in a small rubber Zodiac boat.
According to the report, “Desperate Journeys: Refugees and migrants arriving in Europe and at Europe’s borders,” changes in movement patterns and new restrictions have converted Spain into the main route for refugees and migrants into Europe.
They arrive by sea, as well as overland via the Spanish enclaves of Melilla and Ceuta. Many of those arriving were victims of ethnic violence, trafficking, as well as those fleeing poverty – and including many children and minors travelling without parents or family.
After two days at sea in a plastic Zodiac boat, crammed with over 40 people including women and children, Hamidou was eventually rescued by Spanish coastguards.
He is now living in a reception centre in the coastal city of Malaga, in southern Spain, and waiting to find out if he will be granted asylum.
But without enough legal pathways to safety, many will continue to take dangerous journeys~UNHCR
