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2016: Deadliest for refugees in Mediterranean

September 20, 2016

Though fewer refugees are making the trek across the sea compared to last year, a higher percentage have died on the way to Europe. At this rate, more will die this year compared to 2015.

https://p.dw.com/p/1K5WD
Migrants crossing the Mediterranean in a boat
Image: picture alliance/AA/Italian Army/Marina Militare

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) expressed concern that 2016 might become the deadliest year for refugees traveling across the Mediterranean Sea.

The United Nations Refugee Agency (UNCR) revealed Tuesday that over 300,000 refugees crossed into Europe by making the dangerous journey across the Mediterranean. "That is considerably lower than the 520,000 registered sea arrivals during the first nine months of 2015," said UNHCR spokesman William Spindler in a press conference in Geneva.

But the statement from the UNHCR said the 3,211 refugees reported dead or missing so far this year is only 15 percent less than the number of casualties from all of the previous year (3,771).

"At this rate, 2016 will be the deadliest year on record in the Mediterranean Sea," said Spindler.

The number of arriving migrants and refugees fell in Greece after the European Union signed a deal with Turkey in March that prevents anyone from attempting to cross the sea from their shores. However, Italy still sees relatively similar numbers as last year, UNHCR added.

Arrivals from Syria

The UN's refugee agency said nearly half of those arriving on Greek shores are from Syria, followed by 25 percent coming from Afghanistan, and then Iraq, Pakistan, and Iran. Migrants and refugees reaching Italy are primarily from Africa.

Europe saw a dramatic influx of migrants and refugees in 2015, many fleeing wars and economic disparity in Africa and the Middle East. Some 1.3 million migrants and refugees entered Europe in 2015. Tensions are high in Europe as to what should be done for migrants and refugees.

At the United Nations summit on refugees in New York City, the political repercussions of the refugee crisis was a hot topic. Addressing the meeting, Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras warned that not taking care of the refugee crisis would "give space to nationalistic, xenophobic forces."

The UNHCR repeatedly called for European leaders to reject limits on migrants and refugees that can enter their countries.

kbd/jil (AFP, Reuters)

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