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How Lampedusa copes when the migrant ships come in

Most survive the terrible journey. The next steps are less certain, for them and for Europe

2 May 2015

9:00 AM

2 May 2015

9:00 AM

 Lampedusa

The young hang about in packs or speed around town, two to a scooter. Old women group together on benches around the town square in front of the church. The men continually greet each other as though they haven’t met for years. The likelihood is small. With fewer than 6,000 inhabitants, and as close to Libya as it is to Italy, Lampedusa is the sort of place from which any ambitious young Italian would spend their life trying to escape.

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