United Nations Radio

The problem of irregular migrants arriving by sea will occupy the attention of Interior Ministers of Cyprus, Greece, Italy and Malta when they meet in Rome next Tuesday.

asylum seekers

The UN refugee agency-UNHCR says it understands this question will also be discussed at an informal meeting of European Union Justice and Home Affairs Ministers when they meet in Prague later next week. UNHCR Spokesman Ron Redmond says of the more than 67,000 people crossing to Europe by sea last year, more than half-38,000- arrived in Italy and Malta.

"The vast majority applied for asylum, and more than half of those claiming asylum were found to be in need of international protection. With few opportunities to enter the EU by regular means, thousands of people threatened by persecution and serious human rights violations in their home countries have no choice but to take the dangerous sea route."

UNHCR says this highlights the vital need to ensure that State agreements and measures to tighten borders do not block access to safety for those seeking protection in the European Union.

Donn Bobb, United Nations Radio

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