Refugee crisis in Europe An update

The situation in Syria now Before the conflict, Syria had around 23 million citizens. 18.1 million Syrians are in need of help.

There are 13.5 million people in need of assistance inside Syria. There are 4.6 million registered Syrian refugees in surrounding countries including: Turkey: 2.1 million Lebanon: 1.1 million Jordan: 0.65 million Source: UN Jan 2016

What is happening in Greece? CAFOD is a member of Caritas Internationalis - a global Catholic organisation which aims to promote justice and assist those living in poverty.

Throughout 2015, many people took perilous journeys by sea to Europe Throughout 2015, many people took perilous journeys by sea to Europe. Many landed on Greek islands.

This is one of the holding areas that people go to after being rescued from boats. The islands are still trying to build shelters that can cope with the influx of people.

Women and children receive mats and sleeping bags.

Many refugees are from Syria but others are fleeing from countries such as Afghanistan. This student from Afghanistan helped Caritas with translation. When offered a sleeping bag to say thank you, he refused to accept it as other people needed it more than he did.

Many refugees make their way through Europe Many refugees make their way through Europe. Several European countries have put greater controls on their borders. This has led to many people becoming stranded in terrible conditions on the borders of countries.

The Jungle The main camp at Calais is known as ‘The Jungle’. There are around 4,000 residents in The Jungle. Around 50 people arrive every day.* It is a 2km round trip to the nearest supermarket. *An estimate from Secours Catholique

The Jungle Refugees have begun to set up businesses within the camp.

The Jungle Conditions in the camp are very poor as there are not enough facilities for the number of people living there: 70 toilets – 1 per 57 inhabitants 12 water points in the whole camp.