- Journeys across Europe’s border remain highly dangerous. Some refugees are forced to try to scale international border walls or cross through dangerous rivers and swamps to enter the continent.
- After crossing the border on foot, many stay in Europe’s forests in harsh conditions for days.
- Refugees and Migrants departing from Iraq have reported that smugglers charge hefty fees.
- While smugglers tell some people they can pay later, those people are usually held against their will.
- While smugglers tell some people they can pay later, those people are usually held against their will along the way or at the destination and forced to call their families while being mistreated. This is to get family members to send money – often more than what might have been agreed.
- Even when the smuggler is known to you or is from your community, you will still likely face high risks of abuse along the route.
- Refugees lose their status. Crossing an international border irregularly may be punishable under national laws. You and your family members risk being arrested, interrogated, detained, and possibly deported.
- UNHCR encourages you to seek protection and assistance in the country where you are because of the dangers of moving to other countries and crossing borders without the necessary documentation and permission.
- UNHCR and partners can provide you with information on how we and our partners may be able to help you here in Iraq. For more information visit www.help.unhcr.org/iraq