Refugee deaths in Europe keep rising

ACCORDING to the International Organisation for Migration, almost 400 refugees have died attempting to cross the Mediterranean in October and 18 people within the first three days of November.

The figures released on Tuesday November 2, go beyond those recorded in September, bringing the total number of refugee deaths on European shores to 3,406 this year alone. Experts worry that death numbers are only going to keep rising in the coming months due to weather changes in Europe, and human traffickers luring in more refugees with cheaper fares.                                                        

Last week, the Greek coast guard reported 22 people dead, including at least one little boy, whilst trying to reach the coast. Greece’s Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras has blamed Europe for its lack of effort over the refugee crisis.

Tsipras said:”These are hypocritical, crocodile tears which are being shed for the dead children on the shores of the Aegean. Dead children always incite sorrow, but what about the children that are alive who come in thousands and are stacked on the streets? Nobody likes them.”

He added: "I want to express ... my endless grief at the dozens of deaths and the human tragedy playing out in our seas. The waves of the Aegean are not just washing up dead refugees, dead children, but [also] the very civilization of Europe."   

Refugees arriving in Greece are mostly from Syria, Afghanistan and Iraq, while those that arrive in Italy are from Eritrea, Nigeria and Somalia.