23 Things You Need To Know About Europe's Migrant Crisis

The world’s largest migrant crisis is unfolding in Europe as we speak.

Thousands of migrants and refugees are risking their lives on the Mediterranean in unseaworthy boats trying to reach Europe from Africa and the Middle-East.

Although this isn’t a new issue, an increase in waves of migration and fatalities have recently shocked the world.

Migrants fleeing countries like Syria, Libya, Afghanistan, Iraq and Eritrea are escaping war for a life in countries that encompass freedom and democracy.

But the sad part is, that once they arrive in Europe, they are being met with hostility, poor conditions and mayhem.

More than 366,000 refugees and migrants have crossed the Mediterranean Sea to Europe this year.

At least 16,000 migrant have streamed into Austria alone since September 5th.

Once crossing the Mediterranean, migrants walk from Greece through Macedonia, Serbia, Hungary and into Austria and Germany.

The journey can be perilous. At least 2,800 have died or disappeared during their voyage.

71 refugees were found dead in a truck in Austria in August.

At least 340 attacks have taken place in Refugee camps in Germany.

Recent photos of a Syrian boy, whose family perished at sea, have become a symbol of this struggle.

Those who do make it into Europe face uncertain futures in unknown countries which all have different laws regarding asylum seekers.

Not every European country is opening its arms.

Denmark has very tight restrictions and even paid for ads in Lebanese newspapers to warn migrants about fleeing to the Scandinavian nation.

The complexity of this issue lies behind the fact that Europe wasn’t prepared to deal with migration on such a large scale and doesn’t yet have the infrastructure or organization necessary to protect these people.

Although it does look as though more European leaders are beginning to put in place the necessary legislation and funding to tackle this crisis head on and do what they can as Western nations to protect and help migrants.

For example, German Chancellor Angela Merkel has pledged 3 billion Euros to help absorb migrants into Germany.

French President Francois Hollande has also announced that France is ready to take responsibility for these migrants.

Britain’s David Cameron said that the UK will take up to 20,000 Syrian refugees over the next 5 years, but he’s more focused on preventing refugees from embarking on the hazardous journeys that have already cost so many lives.

EU Foreign Affairs Chief Federica Mogherini told CNN this week “We are rich. We are in peace. We have the duty to save and protect people that are fleeing from war.”

European citizens have already begun to do their part, supplying the refugee populations with food, water, medical aid and simple human compassion.

At the end of the day, it is government cooperation and this sort of humanity that will lead Europe to pave the way for a solution to this tragic crisis.