For years, refugees have been crossing the Mediterranean between Libya and Italy—often in overcrowded, unseaworthy boats. This route is longer and more perilous than newer passages, such as the one between Turkey and Greece.

In his first year in Germany, Arez Ghaderi lived in several refugee centres. He was drawn to the stories of those who had made the journey to Europe—and he listened. In December 2022, he had the opportunity to accompany and photograph refugees on their way to Europe. He joined a mission by the organisation SOS Humanity, which patrols the central Mediterranean in search of boats to evacuate and bring to safety in Italy.

During the 34-day mission, four boats from different countries were rescued and nearly 500 people were brought to shore. Ghaderi formed a particular bond with a group from Gambia, deeply moved by their warmth and openness.

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Arez Ghaderi. , born in 1987 in Sanandaj, Iran, lives in Hanover, where he studies photojournalism and documentary photography at the Hanover University of Applied Sciences and Arts. Since 2001, he has been developing socially engaged documentary and portrait-based series. His work has been featured internationally in five solo exhibitions and more than 30 group shows. In 2016, he received the UNICEF Photo of the Year award.