It is essential that Greece receives massive support from the European Union for adequate reception, registration and screening processes. (UNHCR)

More than 15,500 asylum-seekers currently living on mainland Greece have now received temporary cards, valid for one year

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.

Reception conditions and the asylum system in Greece must be rapidly strengthened in implementation of EU-Turkey deal (UNHCR).

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.

Survivors report massive loss of life in latest Mediterranean Sea tragedy

Syrian refugee carries Olympic flame through Athens to show solidarity with the world's refugees at a time when millions are fleeing war and persecution

The number of new arrivals in Greece's eastern Aegean islands, which accelerated in August, is putting pressure on overcrowded reception facilities and hampering efforts to improve conditions.

UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi concerned at reports of Balkan border closures

UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi warns of critical refugee bottleneck in Greece