Three examples

Three persons. Three different fictitious fates, three biographies from different countries. All three with one destination: Switzerland and protection from persecution.

Mamadou B., (19), citizen of Guinea and of Peul ethnicity, no formal schooling, and unmarried: After years of odd jobs in the subsistence economy of Conakry, Guinea, he decides to emigrate to Europe. He can count on his parent’s support. Once in Europe, he would like to get a regular job. In October he also begins to consider marriage as a means to obtain the right of abode in a wealthy Western industrial nation.

With his family’s savings, Mamadou B. pays a trafficker, who draws a sketch of the sea route to Italy.

Ahmed H., (23), a citizen of Somalia and an ethnic Abgaal, grew up in Mogadishu, no formal schooling, unmarried, no income: He decides to leave Somalia to apply for asylum in an European country.

Sadiye C., (25), a citizen of Turkey and an ethnic Kurd, Alevi adherent, unmarried, grew up in Bingöl, Eastern Anatolia, has two brothers and four sisters. Her father owns a restaurant attended mainly by Kurdish patrons. She has been studying English at the Istanbul University for four years.