"My memories" Hael, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Millions of Syrians have been displaced, and continue to be, with thousands fleeing across the country's borders on a daily basis. The figures are shocking, and appear to continue as the conflict continues without an end in sight.

The United Nations says that up to 1 in 5 Syrians have been internally displaced, and millions are living in camps in neighbouring countries.

These are the keys of just one man who had to leave his home, where he might not return, or which might not even exist any longer. Hael describes his home as the place of "my memories."

Part of an ongoing series on the keys of Syrian refugees...trying to tell the story visually on a basic level. 

Clandestino

Evros, Greece

The Evros river region of north eastern Greece has seen a steep increase in the number of undocumented refugees and migrants entering the country illegally over the past five years.

The early hours of the morning bring fresh arrivals from Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nigeria, Iraq, Iran, Somalia, Algeria and many more. Mothers with young children walking for days on end with little food and water.

The area is officially a sensitive military area for both Turkey and Greece, despite upwards of an estimated 100 people crossing per day. Greece has recently received help from Frontex, the European Union's external border agency, to stem the flow of people crossing in the north but this has only pushed the flow people further south.

Crossing the Evros river at night is a dangerous feat for those who cannot swim.

Many die trying to make a better life in Europe, the place they believe will be safer and filled with more opportunities than their country. The journey for many ends here.

Bodies are often recovered months after death, and the identities of those discovered is usually unknown. They are name-less, nation-less. Relatives may never know the fate of their loved ones.

To be continued...