What circumstances prompted a 14-year-old boy to undertake a deadly journey in the Channel?

Fourteen-year-old Obada Abd Rabbo tragically drowned while attempting to cross from France to the UK in a small boat. Despite repeatedly expressing his fears and inability to swim, Obada was encouraged and pressured by his family and smugglers to make the perilous journey. The BBC reconstructed Obada's journey from Syria to understand the circumstances that led to this tragedy. The investigation revealed the immense pressure children face from their families and smugglers, as well as the motives and strategies of those seeking to reach the UK. Obada's journey began when he and his brother Ayser boarded a plane to Libya, where they faced imprisonment and torture before finally succeeding in crossing the Mediterranean and arriving in Italy. From there, they made their way to France, determined to reach the UK. The BBC investigation highlights the flaws in the asylum system and the desperate choices faced by those fleeing from conflict and seeking a better life. Nada, Obada's brother who had previously made the journey, regrets encouraging Obada to follow suit. The story of Obada's tragic death shines a light on the need for better support and alternatives for those seeking asylum and a safer passage for vulnerable individuals like children.