European migrant crisis facts for kids
More than a million migrants and refugees arrived in Europe during 2015. This created a big challenge for European countries. It was difficult for them to handle such large numbers of people. Many of these people were fleeing from war or dangerous situations in their home countries, seeking safety.
This situation also caused disagreements within the European Union (EU). Member countries had different ideas about how to help and resettle these new arrivals.
Contents
What Caused the Crisis?
The main reason for so many people arriving was the Syrian Civil War. This war forced millions of people to leave their homes. Many Syrians fled to neighboring countries like Turkey, Lebanon, and Jordan. When conditions there became difficult, many decided to try and reach Europe.
Other people came from countries like Afghanistan, Iraq, and Eritrea. They were also escaping conflict, violence, or poverty.
How Did People Travel to Europe?
Most people traveled by dangerous routes. Many crossed the Mediterranean Sea in small, overcrowded boats. These journeys were very risky, and sadly, many people lost their lives.
Once they reached Europe, often in Greece or Italy, they would then try to travel overland through countries like North Macedonia, Serbia, Hungary, and Austria to reach countries like Germany or Sweden. These countries were seen as having better opportunities and support for refugees.
Challenges Faced by Migrants and Refugees
The journey itself was very hard. People faced:
- Dangerous sea crossings.
- Long walks in difficult conditions.
- Lack of food, water, and shelter.
- Risk of exploitation by smugglers.
Once in Europe, they often faced new challenges:
- Living in crowded camps.
- Learning new languages.
- Finding jobs and housing.
- Dealing with different cultures.
Europe's Response to the Crisis
European countries had different reactions to the large number of arrivals.
- Some countries welcomed refugees and offered help. For example, Germany took in a very large number of people.
- Other countries found it hard to cope. They worried about the cost and how to integrate so many new people.
- Border controls were strengthened in many places. Some countries even built fences to stop people from entering.
- The European Union tried to create plans to share the responsibility of resettling refugees among its member states. However, not all countries agreed on these plans.
What Happened After 2015?
After 2015, the number of arrivals started to decrease. This was partly because:
- The EU made a deal with Turkey to help stop people from crossing the Aegean Sea.
- Border controls became stricter.
- More efforts were made to help people in countries closer to their homes.
The events of 2015 changed how Europe deals with migration. It highlighted the need for better international cooperation to help people fleeing conflict and to manage migration in a safe and fair way.
Images for kids
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Mediterranean sea arrivals to Greece and Italy from January 2015 to September 2016, according to UNHCR data
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Migrants crossing the Aegean Sea from Turkey to the Greek island of Lesbos, January 2016
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Refugees at Vienna's Westbahnhof train station, 5 September 2015
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Newly arrived refugees in Germany, October 2015
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Syrian Refugees at Kilis Oncupinar Accommodation Facility in Turkey
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Migrants at the Greece–North Macedonia border near Gevgelija, 24 August 2015
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P31 L.É. Eithne Operations 28 June 2015.jpg
Rescued male migrants are brought to southern Italian ports, 28 June 2015
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Migrants in a hunger strike in front of the Budapest Keleti railway station, 3 September 2015
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Migrants arrived in Lampedusa
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Arrival of migrants in Dobova, Slovenia
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Number of first time asylum applications received by the top ten recipients in the EU-28, January–December 2015. The top ten recipients account for more than 90 percent of the asylum applications received in the EU-28.
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See also
In Spanish: Crisis migratoria de 2015 en Europa para niños
