Advertisement

10,000 people have died trying to cross the Mediterranean since 2014

10,085 people have died trying to cross the Mediterranean to reach Europe since 2014, accord...
Newstalk
Newstalk

16.15 7 Jun 2016


Share this article


10,000 people have died trying...

10,000 people have died trying to cross the Mediterranean since 2014

Newstalk
Newstalk

16.15 7 Jun 2016


Share this article


10,085 people have died trying to cross the Mediterranean to reach Europe since 2014, according to the United Nations.

Latest figures from the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) show that 2,814 people have lost their lives so far this year.

Increasing numbers of refugees and migrants have been travelling in unseaworthy boats and dinghies in a bid to reach Europe.

Advertisement

Between 2008 and 2013 the numbers of people arriving into Europe averaged at 40,000 per year.

In 2014 the number jumped to 216,054, and 2015 marked a 500% increase with over one million people reportedly arriving into Europe by sea.

So far this year 206,199 have completed the dangerous journey - almost half of those are men, 20% are women and children make up the remaining 35%.

In terms of country of nationality, Syrians represent 41% of sea arrivals, Afghans make up one fifth and 13% are from Iraq.

Over 75% of migrants and refugees recorded so far this year have arrived into Greece.

The UNHCR figures are based on figures available from Italy, Greece, Malta and Spain, with the numbers of those dead and missing compiled from a variety of sources including survivors, family member and the Coast Guard.


Share this article


Read more about

News

Most Popular