The Central Mediterranean Route runs from sub-saharan Africa through the deserts of Niger, to conflict-ridden Libya and across the Mediterranean sea to Italy.
It is dangerous at every step. Tightening border control over recent years has not deterred people from seeking safety and a better life, but only pushes them into the hands of smugglers, traffickers and further harm.
What drives people onto these journeys, despite the dangers? What are the risks that lie ahead? How does it feel to leave your family behind?
We listened to people along the route - Mali, Niger, Libya and Italy - to hear about the dangers they face, their hopes for the future and how they keep going in the face of it all.