Refugees brave the Death Pass into Europe
"Passo della Morte," the Death Pass, is the last hurdle in Italy for many migrants and refugees venturing further north into Europe. Photojournalist Federico Scoppa accompanied several Afghans on the precarious crossing.
Into the woods
A small group of Afghan teenagers, fearful of being followed by police, set off on the roughly 12-kilometer (seven mile) hike along roads and the dangerous mountain tracks of the Death Pass to France.
A treacherous route
Migrants and refugees cross the border between the town of Ventimiglia in Italy and Menton in France by walking through the highway tunnels or along railroad tracks or by climbing over the rocky mountain. Whichever way they choose, the journey is sometimes fatal.
High speeds, low visibility
Many migrants and refugees access the highway that leads to France at this fence. From here they risk their lives walking through the tunnel.
Relying on nature
Those who opt for the Death Pass generally set off without knowing the route or carrying supplies of food or water.
Out with the old
Old farmers' storehouses are used by refugees and migrants as shelter, to rest or to wait for nightfall before they cross the mountain. Worn clothes are left behind when they change into fresh clothes, hoping that a tidy appearance will help them avoid getting caught by the French police.
'Peace' signals the way
A "pace" flag hanging from the border fence between Italy and France indicates where people can squeeze through. The French government erected the fence after World War II to stop Italian immigration.
Charting a path
The teenagers survey the route down to Menton. The highest point of the Death Pass is nearly 300 meters (985 feet). Often the migrants and refugees are caught once they make it to France and sent back to Italy.