UN: World Refugee Deaths Top 4,000 for the 4th Straight Year

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In a press meeting in Geneva, United Nations (UN) International Organization for Migration (IOM) stated that 4,200 refugees have lost their lives world wide.

According to the statement of IOM Spokesperson Joel Millman speaking at the biweekly Geneva Press Briefing, the number of refugee deaths has topped 4,000 for the 4th straight year.

Milman reminded that the number of refugee deaths exceeded 4,000 in June 3, 2016, August 27, 2015 and October 2, 2014 and noted:

"This year, 2,556 refugees have lost their lives while trying to cross the Mediterranean Sea to reach to Europe".

According to the UN's data, 133,640 refugees crossed the Mediterranean Sea and arrived in Europe this year. Italy was the first European Union member state in which 75% of these refugees have arrived.

According to the IOM, 45 refugees have lost their lives while crossing the Aegean Sea to arrive in Greece this year.
Millman has added that 263 refugees have lost their lives on the US-Mexican border.

A refugee boat sinks in Kocaeli

A fisher boat carrying refugees sank today (September 22) offshore of Kocaeli/Kefken in the Black sea. 15 refugees have lost their lives.

Coast Guard Command stated that 38 refugees were rescued in search and rescue operations which still continue for other 15-20 refugees who are still missing. (YY/DG)