More than 135,000 refugees reached Europe by sea in 2015’s first half: UNHCR

More than 135,000 refugees and migrants have arrived in Europe by sea in the first half of 2015, with most of the burden being borne by countries in southern Europe, according to a new report by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. The number of refugees and migrants arriving in Europe in the first six months of 2015 increased more than 80 percent increase from the same time period in 2014, the UNHCR report said. It comes as European Union leaders remain divided over how best to solve the growing migrant crisis.

Desperate people resort to desperate measures and unfortunately … the numbers are expected to continue to soar.

Brian Hansford, a spokesperson for UNHCR.

The increase in refugees and migrants, many braving dangerous Mediterranean waters in unsafe boats, has hit countries in southern Europe particularly hard, the report said. Refugees and migrants have been pouring into the western Balkans from Greece and since the beginning of June, over 1,000 people have been entering every day “as opposed to 200 just a few weeks ago,” the report said. Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi rebuked fellow EU leaders last week for failing to agree on a plan to take in 40,000 asylum-seekers from Italy and Greece. However, the reported stated that increased EU funding for rescue operations has meant a decrease in the number of deaths at sea since May.

As arrivals increase, the reception capacity and conditions remain seriously inadequate. This is a regional problem that needs a regional response and regional solidarity.

Mr Handsford said.

World