UNHCR Reports 25% of Sea Refugees in Greece Are Afghan Nationals

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has released a report indicating that 25% of the refugees arriving in Greece by sea in 2024 are Afghan nationals, Khaama Press reported yesterday.

This statistic highlights the ongoing crisis in Afghanistan, where over 6.4 million people are displaced, contributing significantly to the global refugee population.

In total, 28,352 refugees have reached Greece by sea this year, with Afghan refugees comprising the second-largest group after Syrians. Among these Afghan refugees, 25% are migrating as families, and a significant one-quarter are children, underscoring the humanitarian impact of this crisis.

The UNHCR attributes the surge in Afghan refugees to a combination of factors, including ongoing violence, internal conflict, poverty, food insecurity, and limited educational opportunities. The report emphasizes that Afghanistan has the highest number of displaced persons globally, with both Afghanistan and Syria accounting for a combined one-third of the world’s refugee population.

These findings call for urgent global intervention to address the root causes of displacement and provide support to affected populations. The situation remains critical as many Afghans continue to seek safety and stability in Europe amidst dire circumstances at home.