Between 2011 and 2016, some 630,000 irregular migrants and refugees reached Italy via the central Mediterranean. Of those using this route, around 55 percent are migrants rather than refugees, according to the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). Yet voters across Europe are largely voting against any inform of increased immigration or even assistance to asylum-seekers. Italy and Greece are being left unfairly to carry the burden of hosting these refugees, something they can ill afford. The EU faces being overwhelmed once again if it does not find ways to coordinate and agree a common strategy.

Source: The North Africa Journal March 28, 2017 19:30 UTC