More than half a million migrants have arrived in Europe by crossing the Mediterranean Sea since the beginning of 2015, the United Nations announces. And the migratory wave will not stop anytime soon. Those who claim and advocate for national isolation are selling dangerous illusions.
The solution is to stop the ongoing conflicts to create conditions for a return to normalcy and allow people to return to their homes. It is immediately apparent that we are, at this stage, merely expressing a wish.
In the meantime, there is no alternative but a coordinated reception policy at the European level, coupled with a relentless fight against smugglers.
More than half a million migrants have thus arrived in Europe. Nearly 383,000 have reached Greece and some 129,000 others Italy, according to figures published by the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).
According to the UNHCR, 54% of them are Syrians and 13% are Afghans. These people are in need of international protection.
Finally, despite Frontex’s efforts, the Mediterranean Sea continues to be the deadliest route for refugees. Thus, some 2,980 migrants have perished this year or are missing after their attempt to reach Europe, according to the UNHCR.
In 2014, some 3,500 people had perished or remain missing in the Mediterranean Sea, the UNHCR recalls.
