In 2015, hundreds of thousands migrants crossed the Mediterranian sea to reach the European Union. In September — October I walked the refugee path to Germany through Turkey, Greece, Croatia, Hungary and Austria, where I witnessed all the obstacles on the way of those looking for salvation from war and hunger.
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A group of refugees on the Serbian-Hungarian border waiting in the rain to be transported to a temporary camp.
A group of refugees on the Serbian-Hungarian border waiting in the rain to be transported...READ ON
A group of refugees on the Serbian-Hungarian border waiting in the rain to be transported to a temporary camp.
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Refugees in a temporary accommodation camp in the city of Edirne (Turkey), demanding that the Turkish and Greek authorities open the border to them so they can continue their way to other countries of the EU.
Refugees in a temporary accommodation camp in the city of Edirne (Turkey), demanding that...READ ON
Refugees in a temporary accommodation camp in the city of Edirne (Turkey), demanding that the Turkish and Greek authorities open the border to them so they can continue their way to other countries of the EU.
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A line for food in a temporary camp in the city of Edirne (Türkiye).
A line for food in a temporary camp in the city of Edirne (Türkiye).
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Living conditions in a temporary camp in Edirne (Turkey). The camp is located near a football stadium and consists of tents without a roof, despite unpredictable weather conditions.
Living conditions in a temporary camp in Edirne (Turkey). The camp is located near a...READ ON
Living conditions in a temporary camp in Edirne (Turkey). The camp is located near a football stadium and consists of tents without a roof, despite unpredictable weather conditions.
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Refugees land on the Greek coast (the island of Lesvos) after a grueling sea crossing.
Refugees land on the Greek coast (the island of Lesvos) after a grueling sea crossing.
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A family from Syria after a grueling sea crossing on the island of Lesvos (Greece). For some people who had never seen the sea, this “journey” was incredibly stressful.
A family from Syria after a grueling sea crossing on the island of Lesvos (Greece). For...READ ON
A family from Syria after a grueling sea crossing on the island of Lesvos (Greece). For some people who had never seen the sea, this “journey” was incredibly stressful.
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A teddy bear left on the coast of the island of Lesvos (Greece) by arriving refugees.
A teddy bear left on the coast of the island of Lesvos (Greece) by arriving refugees.
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A refugee from Bangladesh performs prayers in a temporary accommodation camp near the city of Mytilene (Greece).
A refugee from Bangladesh performs prayers in a temporary accommodation camp near the...READ ON
A refugee from Bangladesh performs prayers in a temporary accommodation camp near the city of Mytilene (Greece).
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A family from Syria sleeps on board a ferry en route from Lesvos to Athens (Greece). People are so tired mentally and physically that they sleep right on the floor, not noticing the noise around them.
A family from Syria sleeps on board a ferry en route from Lesvos to Athens (Greece)....READ ON
A family from Syria sleeps on board a ferry en route from Lesvos to Athens (Greece). People are so tired mentally and physically that they sleep right on the floor, not noticing the noise around them.
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Refugees from Afghanistan in a tent in a small temporary camp on the island of Kos (Greece).
Refugees from Afghanistan in a tent in a small temporary camp on the island of Kos (Greece).
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A family from Syria is trying to board a train from Budapest (Hungary) to Munich (Germany). A boy is crying as his mother was not able to get through the cordon. Due to the number of refugees, the process is very chaotic. Also, the police, who are unable to organize boarding, behave incorrectly, allowing only a few people from a family to enter, thus separating children from their mothers.
A family from Syria is trying to board a train from Budapest (Hungary) to Munich...READ ON
A family from Syria is trying to board a train from Budapest (Hungary) to Munich (Germany). A boy is crying as his mother was not able to get through the cordon. Due to the number of refugees, the process is very chaotic. Also, the police, who are unable to organize boarding, behave incorrectly, allowing only a few people from a family to enter, thus separating children from their mothers.
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A refugee from Syria arrived in Athens (Greece). She has a very long road ahead of her. No one knows whether she will be able to get to Germany - the ultimate goal of all refugees arriving in the EU.
A refugee from Syria arrived in Athens (Greece). She has a very long road ahead of her....READ ON
A refugee from Syria arrived in Athens (Greece). She has a very long road ahead of her. No one knows whether she will be able to get to Germany - the ultimate goal of all refugees arriving in the EU.
In Limbo 2017
I continued covering migration in Europe in 2017 whilst working on the story "In Limbo" with Doctors of the World Italy. At that time 300-500 people were coming to the Italian coast of Reggio Calabria weekly.
Refugees were desperately buying seats in huge rubber boats from mafia and sailing towards the coasts of the Southern Italy. On board were young men and minors who were looking for a new home in Europe. For them Italy was the life of a dream. Unfortunately the reality was not so pleasant. Upon arrival to Reggio they had to spend around a week at the port. From there they were transported to the temporary detention camps which were rather different places - it could be a former gym, a hotel, an abandoned school or even a prison where refugees would spend several years whilst trying to get the documents needed to stay in the country. Regardless of the conditions, the life of men turned into a slow expectation of the results of consideration of their residency permit applications. Nobody could guarantee any chances. In accordance of the statistics gathered by local branch of Doctors of the World NGO its 50-50. The life in limbo on the land of the dream began.
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Exhausted men at the port of Calabria from Nigeria and Burkina Faso. It takes time to recover from a dangerous journey by sea. They have to spend around a week at the port before local authorities will transport them to the camps situated around Reggio. NGO's icncluding Doctors without Borders and Doctors of the World provide them with medication, food and water.
Exhausted men at the port of Calabria from Nigeria and Burkina Faso. It takes time to...READ ON
Exhausted men at the port of Calabria from Nigeria and Burkina Faso. It takes time to recover from a dangerous journey by sea. They have to spend around a week at the port before local authorities will transport them to the camps situated around Reggio. NGO's icncluding Doctors without Borders and Doctors of the World provide them with medication, food and water.
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Mohamed Konne, a refugee from Burkina Faso residing in Saline camp. The camp is a former gym reorganized for the needs of 60 refugees located near the town of Reggio. There are 30 rooms in the camp which are made of large leaves of plywood, the blankets are used as doors. Mohamed has been living here for more than a year. He is still waiting for his work and residence permits. He is an amateur artist and athlete. Upon his arrival to Italy he was dreaming to work in the gym as the instructor but now he is ready for any kind of job.
Mohamed Konne, a refugee from Burkina Faso residing in Saline camp. The camp is a former...READ ON
Mohamed Konne, a refugee from Burkina Faso residing in Saline camp. The camp is a former gym reorganized for the needs of 60 refugees located near the town of Reggio. There are 30 rooms in the camp which are made of large leaves of plywood, the blankets are used as doors. Mohamed has been living here for more than a year. He is still waiting for his work and residence permits. He is an amateur artist and athlete. Upon his arrival to Italy he was dreaming to work in the gym as the instructor but now he is ready for any kind of job.
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One of Mohamed's old drawings which diplays an overturned boat with the refugees onboard.
One of Mohamed's old drawings which diplays an overturned boat with the refugees onboard.
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A refugee is listening to music at Salina camp. Some men need to stay alone outside the walls of the camp. It helps to decrease psychological tension.
A refugee is listening to music at Salina camp. Some men need to stay alone outside the...READ ON
A refugee is listening to music at Salina camp. Some men need to stay alone outside the walls of the camp. It helps to decrease psychological tension.
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The hand of a refugee holding the beads which he took with him to Italy as reminder of home. Some men take pictures of their relatives, memorable presents from friends and religious items.
The hand of a refugee holding the beads which he took with him to Italy as reminder...READ ON
The hand of a refugee holding the beads which he took with him to Italy as reminder of home. Some men take pictures of their relatives, memorable presents from friends and religious items.
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Everyday prayer at Saline camp. All the refugees who are residing at this camp are Muslim.
Everyday prayer at Saline camp. All the refugees who are residing at this camp are Muslim.
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Refugees are playing football near Saline camp. Young men have access to the nearby playground for 1-2 hours a day. They have their clothes dry at the playground too.
Refugees are playing football near Saline camp. Young men have access to the nearby...READ ON
Refugees are playing football near Saline camp. Young men have access to the nearby playground for 1-2 hours a day. They have their clothes dry at the playground too.
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Photographs which have been taken to use in the application for residence permit. Unfortunately the life of the refugees are turning around documents and permits.
Photographs which have been taken to use in the application for residence permit....READ ON
Photographs which have been taken to use in the application for residence permit. Unfortunately the life of the refugees are turning around documents and permits.
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Some young men attend gyms on the regular basis to keep fit. Gym near Melito camp is accessible by foot. The owner of the place decided to support them by making the visits free of charge. Unfortunately this is an exception from the rule. A lot of locals abuse migrants verbally and physically.
Some young men attend gyms on the regular basis to keep fit. Gym near Melito camp is...READ ON
Some young men attend gyms on the regular basis to keep fit. Gym near Melito camp is accessible by foot. The owner of the place decided to support them by making the visits free of charge. Unfortunately this is an exception from the rule. A lot of locals abuse migrants verbally and physically.
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Young people do each other's hairstyles near the Saline camp. Despite the conditions, they try to look neat.
Young people do each other's hairstyles near the Saline camp. Despite the conditions,...READ ON
Young people do each other's hairstyles near the Saline camp. Despite the conditions, they try to look neat.
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A minor refugee is resting inside his room at Melito camp which is a hotel located on the seashore and reorganized specially for the needs of the refugees. 50 minors reside in 15 bungalows here. The state makes payments to the owners of such institutions for the maintenance of migrants. Provided that Reggio Calabria is not the most popular tourist destination and the hotels are mostly empty, this is a good help. The facts that the owners of the institutions spend money for their own purposes rather on refugees have also been reported by the local NGO's.
A minor refugee is resting inside his room at Melito camp which is a hotel located on the...READ ON
A minor refugee is resting inside his room at Melito camp which is a hotel located on the seashore and reorganized specially for the needs of the refugees. 50 minors reside in 15 bungalows here. The state makes payments to the owners of such institutions for the maintenance of migrants. Provided that Reggio Calabria is not the most popular tourist destination and the hotels are mostly empty, this is a good help. The facts that the owners of the institutions spend money for their own purposes rather on refugees have also been reported by the local NGO's.
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The boys of Melito camp dry out on the beach after swimming.
The boys of Melito camp dry out on the beach after swimming.
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A minor resident of a Reccio camp located in the mountains in a former prison building. The conditions here are truly spartan. The place is very cold even in summertime and dirty. Boys are living in the jail cells behind the huge iron doors. The workers of the NGO Doctors of the World who arrived there for the first time were really terrified.
A minor resident of a Reccio camp located in the mountains in a former prison building....READ ON
A minor resident of a Reccio camp located in the mountains in a former prison building. The conditions here are truly spartan. The place is very cold even in summertime and dirty. Boys are living in the jail cells behind the huge iron doors. The workers of the NGO Doctors of the World who arrived there for the first time were really terrified.
In 2015, hundreds of thousands migrants crossed the Mediterranian sea to reach the European Union. In September — October I walked the refugee path to Germany through Turkey, Greece, Croatia, Hungary and Austria, where I witnessed all the obstacles on the way of those looking for salvation from war and hunger.
The Way 2015
In 2015, hundreds of thousands migrants crossed the Mediterranian sea to reach the European Union. In September — October I walked the refugee path to Germany through Turkey, Greece, Croatia, Hungary and Austria, where I witnessed all the obstacles on the way of those looking for salvation from war and hunger.
In Limbo 2017
I continued covering migration in Europe in 2017 whilst working on the story "In Limbo" with Doctors of the World Italy. At that time 300-500 people were coming to the Italian coast of Reggio Calabria weekly.
Refugees were desperately buying seats in huge rubber boats from mafia and sailing towards the coasts of the Southern Italy. On board were young men and minors who were looking for a new home in Europe. For them Italy was the life of a dream. Unfortunately the reality was not so pleasant. Upon arrival to Reggio they had to spend around a week at the port. From there they were transported to the temporary detention camps which were rather different places - it could be a former gym, a hotel, an abandoned school or even a prison where refugees would spend several years whilst trying to get the documents needed to stay in the country. Regardless of the conditions, the life of men turned into a slow expectation of the results of consideration of their residency permit applications. Nobody could guarantee any chances. In accordance of the statistics gathered by local branch of Doctors of the World NGO its 50-50. The life in limbo on the land of the dream began.