The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has reported that Afghan citizens are the second largest group of refugees entering Greece illegally in 2024, after Syrians.
The agency stated on Friday, January 31, that a total of 54,417 individuals entered Greece via the sea in the last year. Of these, 35% were Syrians, 26% were Afghans, 12% Egyptians, 4% Palestinians, and 4% Eritreans.
The UNHCR has also noted a rise in the number of migrants, with a 27% increase in arrivals in 2024 compared to the previous year. According to their statistics, 16% of refugees were women, 28% were children, and 56% were men.
Greece is one of the main routes for migrants seeking entry into European countries, with thousands of refugees, especially from Afghanistan and Syria, risking their lives along the way. Many refugees have tragically lost their lives during the journey.
The UNHCR had previously reported that 25% of refugees arriving by sea to Greece were from Afghanistan. In total, 27,352 refugees arrived via the sea to Greece in 2024.
This alarming trend highlights the continuing challenges faced by both refugees and the countries they flee to. International support and action are crucial to addressing the growing migration crisis and providing necessary assistance to those affected.
Efforts to address the underlying causes of migration, such as conflict and insecurity, are essential to reducing the number of people forced to take dangerous journeys in search of safety.
