Dubai's hidden sex trade
The dangers for young African women beneath the city's glamour. Plus: the Dominican Republic's migration crackdown, Australia's outdoor attitude and a Basque harvest festival
Pascale Harter introduces stories from the United Arab Emirates, the Dominican Republic, Australia and Spain's Basque country.
Dubai is often called one of the safest cities in the world - but is that true safe for everyone? In the shadows of its shining skyscrapers and shopping malls is a thriving and often exploitative sex trade. Runako Celina has been investigating the suspicious deaths of two women from East Africa who travelled to Dubai with big dreams.
Although the Dominican Republic is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Caribbean, not all new arrivals are welcome. Its government is currently undertaking a sweeping campaign to deport illegal immigrants - in particular, people from neighbouring Haiti. John Murphy met Haitians living in hiding to evade the authorities, and in fear of being sent back.
Globally, shark attacks on humans are very rare - but they do happen. Per head of population, Australia sees the highest number of shark attacks in the world, but that doesn’t stop millions of people enjoying the beaches and the ocean. So, what can Australians’ love of the outdoors, no matter the dangers, teach the rest of us? Katy Watson reports from her local life-saving club in Sydney.
In the Basque country, harvest festival season is underway - including some of the most enduring pagan celebrations in Europe. These champion the land, the people deeply rooted to it, and a rich sense of local pride on Basque food, language and culture. Simon Busch has been joining in the festivities - enjoying cider, sausages, and rhyming couplets on demand.
Producer: Polly Hope
Editor: Richard Fenton-Smith
Production co-ordinator: Rosie Strawbridge
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