Mother Identifies Daughter Lost at Sea in Migration Tragedy

Jamila Afelom, a mother from Tétouan, Morocco, identified her daughter, Fatin Ben Homar Azizi’s body by a necklace she had given her before her ill-fated swim from Morocco to the Spanish enclave of Ceuta. Afelom emotionally recounted the heart-wrenching discovery a day and a half after Fatin’s attempt. Describing Fatin as bold and determined but also having a boyish demeanor, Afelom shared how her daughter’s passion for soccer led her to dream of a better life in Europe. Despite warnings about the risks of irregular migration routes, Fatin and several other girls pursued their dreams, with tragic consequences. Coach Adel El Kaab, who trained Fatin, highlighted how football became a refuge for these young women facing economic hardships. The story of Fatin’s tragic journey sheds light on the harsh realities many young Moroccans face as they seek opportunities abroad.