Trapped between the borders
Sunk in a swamp on the Polish-Belarusian border-as employees of our Sainab project found. The then sixteen-year-old refugees from Somalia reports in an interview from her dangerous escape to Europe, why the help of our partner organization nervous in the border area is so important and what should change EU policy.
How were you when the helpers found you in the border area?
When they came, I was completely exhausted and almost gave up. I had to spend a night in a swamp area in the forest and stopped on a small island to avoid sinking. I hardly had any strength and many injuries on my legs. It was an indescribable relief when they were finally there and hugged me. They gave me everything I needed - fresh clothing, food and medicine. Without them I would probably not have made it.
How did it come about that you got into the border area?
I had to leave Somalia because I wasn't sure there. The threats from forced marriage, violence or genital mutilation were constantly there, and terrorist groups such as al-Shabaab make life impossible. I started in March 2023, flown to Russia and then brought to Belarus from there. We were brought directly to the border by Belarus - and that was the beginning of an endless, dangerous waiting.
Why was it so dangerous?
We hid in the forest and tried to cross the border. There is a large river there, and the Polish border fence is very high and full of barbed wire. Many people have often been injured there for months, without food or water. Some were sent back, beaten and robbed by soldiers. This happens there every day, and there is no consideration, not even for children or families.
What does it mean that there is no consideration of children and adolescents?
Children need protection, they need a kind of at home and regular food. The hardest is the violence that you experience: pushbacks, blows, the violence you experience. The hunger, the thirst, the cold. Since I left Somalia, I never had the feeling that I was sure. There is only one way and it continues - you can't go back. The feeling of being alone is the hardest, and I know that many children feel the same thing there.
How did your trip go after the helpers found you?
I finally came to Germany from Poland, where I live today. In Poland, the soldiers like someone who has no rights. Then I knew: I have to go on.
What do you wish for the future?
My greatest wish is that I see my family again - my father, my mother, my younger siblings. And I want to become a doctor or human rights activist to help others how to help me. It is important that people learn what really happens at the borders.
What should change in the EU to help young people like you? What would you like to say the EU politician?
I would tell the European politician: Be human! See us as people. There must be more humanity and respect for human rights, especially for children.
And what do you want to tell people who help?
Without the helpers in the forest, I wouldn't be here today. You risk your life to save us and I am so grateful to you. This is vital for children and adolescents, because many are without accompaniment.