UN Data: 2021 Saw Fewer Migrants Reach Greek Islands

Migrants disembark a Hellenic Coast Guard vessel after being rescued at open sea, on the island of Chios, Greece, October 26, 2021. Dimitris Vouchouris/Eurokinissi via REUTERS
Migrants disembark a Hellenic Coast Guard vessel after being rescued at open sea, on the island of Chios, Greece, October 26, 2021. Dimitris Vouchouris/Eurokinissi via REUTERS
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UN Data: 2021 Saw Fewer Migrants Reach Greek Islands

Migrants disembark a Hellenic Coast Guard vessel after being rescued at open sea, on the island of Chios, Greece, October 26, 2021. Dimitris Vouchouris/Eurokinissi via REUTERS
Migrants disembark a Hellenic Coast Guard vessel after being rescued at open sea, on the island of Chios, Greece, October 26, 2021. Dimitris Vouchouris/Eurokinissi via REUTERS

The number of refugees and migrants arriving on Greece's East Aegean islands in 2021 hit its lowest level since the start of the refugee crisis in the Aegean some nine years ago.

According to the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) on Thursday, 4,109 people crossed from Turkey to the Greek islands last year. This compares to 9,714 the year before and just under 60,000 in 2019. At the height of the refugee crisis in 2015, 856,723 people crossed.

The Greek coastguard has been controlling the sea border with Turkey very strictly since 2019, dpa reported.

Human rights organizations complain that there are illegal pushbacks to Turkey. Athens repeatedly states that its security forces protect European borders in accordance with international law.

Because of these tight controls in the straits between Turkey and the Greek islands, smugglers and migrants have increasingly opted for new routes.

Around 11,000 people are said to have managed to reach Italy in recent months on a route from Turkey through the Aegean and Ionian seas. There are no official figures on how many people have died in the process, but the number is believed to be large.

In December alone, at least 30 people drowned on this route, according to the Greek coastguard.

Because of the long journey through the Mediterranean Sea south or north of Crete, according to the Greek coastguard, there are often engine failures or leaks on the often outdated boats that smuggling gangs sell to people.



Hundreds Line Up to Visit Pope Francis' Tomb in Rome

People queue to visit the tomb of Pope Francis at the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major in Rome, Italy, 27 April 2025. Pope Francis passed away on Easter Monday, 21 April 2025, at the age of 88. EPA/FABIO CIMAGLIA
People queue to visit the tomb of Pope Francis at the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major in Rome, Italy, 27 April 2025. Pope Francis passed away on Easter Monday, 21 April 2025, at the age of 88. EPA/FABIO CIMAGLIA
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Hundreds Line Up to Visit Pope Francis' Tomb in Rome

People queue to visit the tomb of Pope Francis at the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major in Rome, Italy, 27 April 2025. Pope Francis passed away on Easter Monday, 21 April 2025, at the age of 88. EPA/FABIO CIMAGLIA
People queue to visit the tomb of Pope Francis at the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major in Rome, Italy, 27 April 2025. Pope Francis passed away on Easter Monday, 21 April 2025, at the age of 88. EPA/FABIO CIMAGLIA

Hundreds of people filed past the tomb of Pope Francis from early on Sunday morning in the Roman basilica where he chose to be buried in a break from tradition.
No pope had been laid to rest outside the Vatican in more than a century, but Francis opted instead for burial in Santa Maria Maggiore (Saint Mary Major), located in the Italian capital's most multi-cultural neighborhood.
His coffin was taken there on Saturday after his funeral Mass in St. Peter's square, with around 150,000 people lining the route through the heart of the city to say their farewells, Reuters reported.
The casket was placed in a simple marble tomb in a side aisle of the basilica. Only his name in Latin, "Franciscus", is inscribed on top, while a reproduction of the plain cross that he used to wear around his neck hangs above the niche.
"I feel like it's exactly in the way of the Pope. He was simple, and so is his place now," said Polish pilgrim Maria Brzezinska after paying her respects.
Visitors began queuing well before the Basilica opened at 7:00 a.m. (0500 GMT). After passing through metal detectors, they entered the church through a so-called Holy Door, only opened during special Holy Years celebrated every 25 years.
Santa Maria Maggiore is one of four basilicas in Rome that have such holy doors. It was founded in 432 and is the only basilica in the city that preserves the early Christian structure, although there have been many later additions.
Francis was especially attached to it because of his devotion to Mary, Mother of God. He prayed there before and after every overseas trip.
A venerated Byzantine icon of Mary is housed in the Pauline chapel near the tomb. A vase of golden roses, donated by Francis in 2023, sits among candlesticks under the icon. He last visited the chapel carrying a bunch of white roses on April 12.
A single white rose was placed on his tomb.
"So much intensity. He was a person close to everyone, so we respect him for what he did, each in our own way. Thank you," said Carmelo Lamurra, a Rome resident.