With summer right round the corner, the number of asylum seekers seeking to reach European shores is expected to rise as it always does, and concerns about the safety of those making the perilous crossing will again come to the fore.

Too many have lost their lives in the journey. In 2016, 5,096 died or went missing, and in 2017, a further 3,139 met the same fate. These should not be treated as numbers, but as people, as even one life lost is too much. This should not be acceptable, and while efforts to try and save lives are present, much more needs to be done.  Their safety must be a priority for Malta and for Europe.

Many in Europe are also concerned about the numbers of arrivals themselves, even though the number of migrants crossing the Mediterranean has been reducing over the past years. Many migrants making the perilous crossing are fleeing conflict and persecution, and thus cannot go back home. Europeans have a duty to protect refugees fleeing persecution and conflict. And while many are concerned about the number of migrant arrivals, we must not fall into the trap of believing Europe is alone in hosting refugees.

There are currently 65.6 million forcibly displaced people worldwide according to the UNHCR, among them are nearly 22.5 million refugees, over half of whom are under the age of 18. UNHCR figures show that 28,300 people per day flee their homes because of conflict and persecution.  The countries that host the largest number of refugees worldwide are not European. These countries are, in order of amount - Turkey, Pakistan, Lebanon, Iran, Uganda and Ethiopia.

Europe also does not accept all asylum-related applications. A distinction is made at law, between those who have a right to refugee or some form of asylum status, and those who do not, with return policies in place. According to the Maltese Refugees Act, the Refugee Commissioner can recommend two types of protection: Refugee status and Subsidiary protection. Other forms of complementary protection can be granted. Statistics show that in 2017, the highest numbers of asylum applications in Malta came from Syrian, Libyan and Somalian nationals. In 2017 for example, Malta rejected 12.5% of applications.

While some might be inclined to take a harsh stand, arguing that borders should be closed, boats turned away at the border and that a siege mentality should be taken up, we must not give in to those thoughts. Europe must continue to work with other countries to help refugees, and create agreements with third countries. It must work to try and create peace and safer means by which asylum seekers can apply for status without needing to undertake the dangerous journey.  We must not ignore the perils associated with making the journey to Europe, with over 600 having died in the Mediterranean this year so far. The journey is perilous, with the dangers of being sold into slavery or held for ransom very real. These people, first and foremost, need our help.