Former NATO adviser and Afghan refugee says migrants who attempt dangerous crossings have no choice

After hearing news of the shipwreck in southern Italy that killed at least 61 migrants, Afghanistan-born Winnipegger Zobair Deen said it brought back memories of his own experience when his family escaped his home country by crossing the border into Pakistan on rafts nearly 30 years ago. 

"I remember ... when I was on a boat, hopelessly looking for a home to settle in to feel safe," he said.

Deen, now 45, said the journey — which he took with his parents, three siblings and grandmother — lasted three days. His 16th birthday was spent floating on a raft meant for two to four people, but somehow held a group of nine. 

"The gentleman that was taking us across, he was struggling to keep us safe. That raft was about to sink a couple of times," Deen said.

Miraculously, Deen's family has photos from their dangerous voyage. He said there was a photographer among the group of 28 people who made the crossing, and he managed to salvage his camera before fleeing.

"He ended up taking our pictures in that river and he told us that if we make it to safety, he's going to be able to find us somehow ... Years later he was able to track us down [in Pakistan]."

The death toll continues to rise from the wreck of the wooden vessel carrying people from Afghanistan, Iran and several other countries. At least 61 deaths have been reported by Italian officials as of Monday. Authorities said the victims include 12 children.

Deen said he understands why people would leave their homes and risk such a dangerous journey. He watched his parents weigh the decision between staying in a war-torn country whose regime already killed members of their family, and fleeing. They ultimately made the decision to leave Afghanistan, knowing they would likely never return.

"People have no choice but to run away from their home country because of the tyranny of regimes, or the war that is imposed on them," Deen said.

"We were on the run from violent extremists ... We had to [leave]. There was nothing left for us."

There are stark differences between being an immigrant and being a refugee, said Arian Arianpour, president of the organization Iranian Community of Manitoba.

"Immigration has always been a part of human civilizations as a very positive cultural and economic phenomenon. The story of refugees, on the other hand, is always a tragedy," he said.

"Nobody wants to be in those situations. Nobody wants to be on the sea alone, or seeing their beloved ones dying in front of their eyes."

Arianpour said he regards the deaths from the shipwreck to be no different than murder.