The Secrets of Mauritania: Immigration and the Battle Against Slavery | Sahara

In the far west of the Sahara lies Mauritania, a country that has managed to avoid the attention of the world press. Its vast deserts are home to many who suffer from the illegal practice of slavery, a reality that has far-reaching consequences for thousands of black Mauritanians. Women are forced to give their children their owners’ last names, and the children are not entitled to an education. Activists, lawyers and journalists are fighting tirelessly against this injustice, even though it puts them in hazard.

Amidst this backdrop, Bram Vermeulen’s three-episode series, Sahara, takes us on a journey through the largest sand desert on the planet. From the Atlantic Ocean to the Red Sea, we experience the increasing desperation of migrants, the danger of rising terrorism, and the harsh reality of modern slavery. We uncover human trafficking networks and hear directly from locals about what it’s like to inhabit one of the most inhospitable places on earth. Tune in to witness a world that is both captivating and eye-opening, with stories that will stay with you long after the journey is over.