Arrivals and departures
In Greece, an estimated 126 people arrived over the weekend (21-22 May) in the northern Aegean (35 on Lesvos, 76 on Chios, and 15 on Samos).
Condition of People
A study carried out by Save the Children emphasized that child refugees stranded in Greece have been out of school for an average of 1.5 years. The study conducted ahead of the inaugural World Humanitarian Summit found that Syrian child refugees have been out of school for an average of 25.8 months, while Afghan child refugees spent an average of 10.7 months out of the classroom. Yesterday, 23 May, Save the Children, along with UNICEF and others, unveiled a new fund for schooling in emergencies called Education Cannot Wait to help provide schooling for displaced children. Save the Children said it has been providing non-formal lessons – including English and Greek classes – through child-friendly spaces established in several sites in Greece in partnership with UNHCR, and is currently scaling up its education activities in Greece to provide child refugees with access to basic education through temporary classrooms.
Key Developments
On 23 May, the Foreign Affairs Council discussed external aspects of migration, in particular, ways to further strengthen cooperation with countries of origin and countries of transit through a common EU approach. In its conclusions on the external aspects of migration, the Council reaffirmed its commitment to a comprehensive and geographically balanced approach, based on bilateral and multilateral cooperation, as well as building on all existing instruments. Ministers notably stressed the need to address the root causes of migration, combat smuggling and trafficking, and ensure cooperation on return and readmission. Focusing on the Eastern Mediterranean, the Council underlined the importance of further implementing the EU-Turkey Statement of 18 March. Regarding the Central Mediterranean route, the Council highlighted the need to use the broad range of tools available to manage flows, in cooperation with third countries of origin and transit, and in close collaboration with UNHCR and IOM.
The Council also discussed and adopted conclusions on EUNAVFOR Med Operation Sophia, the EU naval operation to support the fight against smuggling and trafficking in the southern central Mediterranean.
Ministers agreed to extend the Operation’s mandate by one year and add two supporting tasks: ensuring capacity building of and information sharing with the Libyan Coastguard, and contributing to the implementation of the UN arms embargo on high seas off the coast of Libya. The Operation’s mandate will be formally amended once the necessary preparatory work is conducted.
Finally, the Council discussed and adopted conclusions on the EU regional strategy for Syria and Iraq, outlining priorities in working to achieve lasting peace, stability, security in Syria, Iraq and the wider region.
