Despite It All We Never Learn

Smugglers shuttle refugees across sub-Saharan Africa to reach Libya. From there, migrants funnel into Europe via the Central Mediterranean Sea. This is one of the most urgent and dangerous humanitarian issues of our time. The route currently accounts for the largest number of people crossing to Europe by sea. Libya remains the main point of departure for the majority of refugees and migrants from Africa and the Middle East seeking to reach Europe. The people are fleeing persecution and violence, as well as dire economic prospects; they want freedom and hope. By the time refugees and migrants step onto boats at the Libyan coast, many will have been tortured, raped, held for ransom, and seen people die around them. Many are not headed to Libya or Europe when they initially leave their country of origin, while others are ultimately trafficked to Europe. Despite It All We Never Learn describes the agonizing first person narratives and impossible decisions that refugees have to make as they head toward what they believe is a better life. These are their stories.