A Somali refugee endured a perilous sea journey, in which 200 people were put on a boat, but only 70 survived after 12 days. The boat was in poor condition and lack of water and unpleasant sea waves killed 30 percent of the passengers. With 60 percent unemployment and more than 5 million people facing food shortages in Somalia, he plans to make the trip again.
In 2024, approximately 120,000 Somalis attempted to travel to Europe to escape war, economic hardship, and climate change. Their stories show the growing desperation of individuals who are forced to risk their lives for a better life. These figures highlight the fact that conditions in Somalia are so dire that people are making the journey despite the dangers.
The Dangers of Overcrowded Sea Journeys
In 2024, more than 150,000 people attempted to reach Europe by sea, and often 150 percent more people were carried on boats. About 35 percent of these boats suffered serious difficulties, resulting in the loss of more than 5,000 lives. These journeys are usually extremely unsafe, where adequate safety measures are lacking and travelers travel for days in harsh conditions with cheap resources.
Somalia’s Dire Economic and Humanitarian Crisis
More than 6.9 million people are undernourished in Somalia, including 1.7 million children who are severely malnourished. The youth unemployment rate here has exceeded 70%, while more than 2.9 million people are homeless within the country. The country’s collapsing economy and ongoing wars have forced millions to flee for their lives, creating a widespread humanitarian crisis.
The Rising Tide of Migration from Somalia to Europe
In 2024, around 140,000 Somalis attempted to reach Europe by sea, a 35% increase from the previous year. More than 45,000 of them started their journey from Puntland and Somaliland, and most of them are seeking asylum in Italy and Greece. Millions of people have been affected by conflict and drought, leading to a significant increase in displacement.
Survival Stories: Resilience Amidst Tragedy
About 30% of Somali migrants die on their sea journey, and many of them lose loved ones along the way. Despite all these difficulties, about 80% of survivors want to try the journey again, due to the extreme hardships of life in Somalia. These survival stories show the incredible courage and desperation of the refugees and give them hope for a fresh start.
In 2024, more than 140,000 Somalis tried to reach Europe by sea, of which more than 5,000 lost their lives. Underpinning this crisis are dire humanitarian conditions, with 6.9 million people suffering from hunger and over 70% of youth unemployed. Despite these conditions, about 80% of survivors wish to travel again, reflecting the desperation caused by the ongoing conflict and economic crisis in the country.
