The International Organization for Migration said about 55, migrants had reached European shores in the first half of this year, many landing without papers, hope of a home or a job. I have no choice. No job, and nobody to talk to or run to for help.
A seafront sprawl 30 miles 48 km north of Naples, the ramshackle town began life in the Etruscan age - before the Roman empire - and was a popular summer playground for Neapolitans during the s. In , its fortunes fell when it became an emergency shelter after an earthquake left , locals homeless and the government commandeered local accommodation to fill the gap.
As tourists deserted, the economy crumbled, along with the impressive villas and commanding apartment blocks that now play home to African migrants and those without many better choices. Russo said many homes lacked the most basic infrastructures, such as sewage, and were not fit for human habitation.
In the dark, unpaved road that crosses the main Antonio Gramsci street, a tiny light highlighted a woman smoking under the porch of a low house. Squeezed into a radiant, green dress, Lovette welcomed all comers - she is the landlady here. Inside, a group of six African men sat round a table strewn with empty bottles.
On the side of the dining room, a huge Dumbo stuffed toy lay on an empty bed. A native of oil-rich farming Delta State in Nigeria, Grace landed in Italy a year ago, dreaming of a proper education. After staying in an immigration center in Turin and then in Rome, she lost her identity card. Along with many undocumented and unemployed migrants, Grace ended up in Castel Volturno. Connection houses - common along human trafficking routes in Africa, though new to Italy - have made his task harder.
