Each year, hundreds of thousands of refugees and migrants risk their lives on a route that extends from the East and Horn of Africa and West Africa, towards North Africa and across the Central Mediterranean Sea to Europe. Many refugees and migrants from Asia and the Middle East are also arriving in North Africa from countries such as Bangladesh, Egypt, Pakistan and Syria.
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| The Sahara Desert |
The paths these people travel are not always the same. Some conclude their journeys in Africa while others continue towards Europe. Many refugees are escaping conflicts and persecution in their country of origin. Other migrants and refugees are compelled to move because of crises along the route, the devastating effects of climate change, in search of work and study opportunities or simply a better life.
Much attention is focused on the dangers they face attempting the perilous Mediterranean Sea crossing. But before refugees and migrants even reach the North African shore, many endure extreme and repeated forms of violence and abuse, including rape, torture, kidnapping for ransom, trafficking, arbitrary detention and expulsions.
Multiplying and worsening crises are leading to more people risking these dangerous journeys. Since last year, a new conflict has erupted in Sudan , displacing some 10 million people, while worsening insecurity in the central Sahel region has brought the displaced population there to almost 5 million. In the East and Horn of Africa, the climate crisis is contributing to new and protracted emergencies.
