There is little basis for viewing migrants in the Mediterranean as a threat to the ‘indigenous’ population of Europe

Figures released in June 2015 by the International Organisation for Migration estimate that over 100,000 migrants have made the journey across the Mediterranean since the start of 2015, with those who reached land mainly arriving in Italy or Greece.

Christopher J. Ayres argues that while some actors have sought to portray this situation as a case of ‘indigenous Europeans’ coming under threat from large-scale migration, there is little to justify this narrative in practice. He writes that Europeans should do more to appreciate the human dimension to the crisis, particularly given their own ancestors once pursued the same route from Africa.

• Primary Source

International Organisation for Migration: Press release, 09.06.15: Number of Migrants Landing in Europe in 2015 Passes 100,000 http://www.iom.int/news/number-migrants-landing-europe-2015-passes-100000

ESO: Background information: More than 5000 migrants saved since Friday - Triton assets fully involved http://www.europeansources.info/record/more-than-5000-migrants-saved-since-friday-triton-assets-fully-involved/

ESO: Information Guide: European Migration Challenges http://www.europeansources.info/record/information-guide-european-migration-challenges/

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