New UNHCR report shows the sea route to Greece has gained more traction, sea arrivals to Italy have reduced and migrants and refugees are using increasingly diversified journeys to reach Europe.

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency is relieved that the remaining rescued persons on board the Italian coast guard vessel ‘Diciotti’ have now disembarked. UNHCR commends those countries and organisations that have shown solidarity and given tangible assistance. Established and predictable arrangements in the Mediterranean region for the disembarkation of people rescued at sea is strongly encouraged.

UNHCR welcomes Malta disembarkation of Sea Watch and Sea Eye passengers, calls for better, predictable approach

Refugees and migrants attempting to reach Europe via the Mediterranean Sea lost their lives at an alarming rate in 2018, as cuts in search and rescue operations reinforced its position as the world’s deadliest sea crossing. The latest ‘Desperate Journeys’ report, released today by UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, says six lives were lost on average every day. An estimated 2,275 died or went missing crossing the Mediterranean in 2018, despite a major drop in the number of arrivals reaching European shores. In total, 139,300 refugees and migrants arrived in Europe, the lowest number in five years.

Oltre 300,000 persone hanno attraversato il Mar Mediterraneo, tra cui 200,000 dirette in Grecia e 110,000 in Italia. (UNHCR)