„From Libya to Lampedusa: Life in Italy for Somali Refugees

Libyen-Lampedusa, Sozialreportage

By Asha Siad and Roda Siad

They call them Ciyaalka Badda or children from the sea. This phrase is used when referring to the young Somali refugees who come by boat from North Africa.

The expressions of the eight young Somali men leaning against the wall outside Termini station tell a complex story. They are caught in the midst of a political turmoil. Trapped between one country that disregards their existence and another whose very existence is in question, they struggle to find their place in the world.

Since the collapse of the government over two decades ago, Somalia has become the second largest refugee producing country in the world. In the last ten years, there has been an influx of African refugees and migrants to southern Europe. Using Italy as a mere transit point, their goal is to reach the rest of Europe. However, many do not make it past Italian territory.

It is their hands that tie them to Italy. […]“

via From Libya to Lampedusa: Life in Italy for Somali Refugees