On the morning of August 9, some 100 migrants tried to swim from Morocco into Ceuta, the North African enclave that's part of Spain. Authorities have now warned that the enclave’s reception system is overwhelmed due to the numbers of migrants it hosts—and it is reportedly nearing collapse.
Furthermore, dozens of people, including seven children, were intercepted by Moroccan security forces and Spain’s Guardia Civil. According to a spokesperson for the Spanish central government’s delegation in Ceuta, the group attempted to take advantage of foggy weather in hopes of entering the territory undetected.
There have been numerous incidents in which migrants have tried to swim from Moroccan shores to reach Ceuta. When intercepted, they are usually returned by Spanish authorities back to Morocco.
Sadly, it is a common occurrence for migrants to risk their lives in pursuit of safety, causing them to embark on dangerous routes. Indeed, global migration routes reveal the scale and complexity of movement across continents, with millions fleeing poverty, violence, and political unrest. From the Central Mediterranean route used by migrants aiming for Europe, to dangerous crossings in Central America, these routes expose migrants to extreme risks, including trafficking, exploitation, and life-threatening sea journeys. Often, their journeys end in unintended places, as many transit countries become de facto hosts along these migration pathways.
Click on to explore the world's most significant migration routes.