Personal stories

Bekir Ben, from immigrant to 'Italian artist'

Bekir Ben is a 49-year old Tunisian painter and sculptor. He arrived in Italy 26 years ago, his talent discovered by Italian artists who had admired his work at a hotel in Tunisia. Since then, Bekir has started his adventure as an artist, travelling from Rome to Palermo, where he has been living with his family for over 10 years now.

This former refugee helps others find their way in Italy

Emad Shuman arrived in Italy three decades ago, as a refugee trying to escape the war in Lebanon. Today, he's cultural mediator for Oxfam Italy, and helping other refugees find their way in Italy.

'One dies in Libya'

It took an Eritrean migrant saved by the Italian coast guard ship Diciotti three and a half years to go from Sudan to Milan, Italy. ''One dies in Libya,'' Josief said.

For Shrazi, a Pakistani migrant in Libya, escape is the only option

Although thousands of migrants have arrived successfully in Europe on makeshift boats from Libya and Turkey, not all attempts are successful. One Pakistani migrant recalls his tragic journey in the Mediterranean Sea, the dangers in Libya and his "small dreams" for the future.

'Europe is not what you expect it to be'

Pakistani migrant Shahid Ali left his studies for a dream of a better life in Europe only to find out that the continent was not what he expected it to be. Now back in Pakistan and trying to put his life back on track, Shahid is clear about one thing - it's not worth it.