"We are going to survive together or die together" - stories of courage, terror and desperation - what drives Syrian refugees to take the dangerous route to Europe

Jan 30, 2016, 03:34 PM

Just back after a two week stint as a volunteer in a transit camp in Croatia Dr Bronagh Catiusic of the Irish Syria Solidarity Movement has urged European governments including Ireland to embrace refugees. The stories she heard and the incredible lengths many had taken to escape war and starvation left her in no doubt what Europe must do. During the two weeks at Slavonski Brod transit camp, day after day refugees told Dr. Catiusic including mothers with small babies, why they were prepared to risk all to escape war, barrel bombs and starvation in Syria. Since returning Dr. Catiusic has been engaged in a robust campaign of writing and interviews in an attempt to highlight the stories of the many desperate people she met at Slavonski Brod. Anne Daly of Esperanza Productions asked her why she decided to volunteer to help refugees.

Esperanza Productions was co-founded by award winning documentary filmmakers Ronan Tynan and Anne Daly.

web: www.esperanza.ie

twitter: @esperanzadocs

Follow Anne Daly on Twitter: @annedaly19

Follow Ronan Tynan on Twitter: @ronanltynan