Only between 2016-17, about 171,635(*) immigrants crossed the mediterranean sea to a European destination. There isn’t an exact number that can tell how many stranded teenagers (13 to 19 years old) where on refugee or illegal migrant status, even despite being minors or unaccompanied. These numbers evidence the lack of protection towards displaced children who are forced to grow their emotional and cognitive identity, distorted by the disproportion of opportunities between the African continent and the European Union domains.

Historically, the Maghreb served as a crossroads for trade, colony, and migration in-between Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. But Morocco is the synonym of an exit point. Sub-Saharan immigrants make their route through the desert until they reach mayor cities like Casablanca, Rabat, or Marrakesh. Algerians, Tunisians, or even Moroccans, try their way out from the Spanish enclaves of Ceuta or Nador. People in transit, cities collapsed, and deadly routes.

Through interviews, photographs, and access to their archives, this reportage shows intimate aspects from their journey that, despite their young age, finds them in a constant state of risk and uncertainty for an opportunity to cross into European soil.
In collaboration with the NGOs Minority Globe and Open Arms, this reportage aims to raise the awareness of a young generation that is risking their lives and the enormous potential to contribute, in any society they want to integrate as long as they can have access to those opportunities.
(*) Source: IOM, 2018.