Previous Year Question
The refugees and migrants in Europe reached which milestone mark recently as disclosed by the UNHCR?
1.0 Million
1.5 Million
2.0 Million
3.0 Million
Correct Answer: A
Detailed Solution
In 2015, the number of refugees and migrants reaching Europe crossed the historic level of approximately 1 million.
According to a joint estimate by UNHCR and the International Organization for Migration (IOM), by 21 December 2015, around 972,500 people had reached Europe through the Mediterranean Sea, while more than 34,000 had entered Bulgaria and Greece from Turkey through land routes.
Thus, the total number exceeded 1 million.
The largest group in this movement in 2015 consisted of Syrian refugees. Around half of Mediterranean arrivals were from Syria, while Afghans accounted for about 20% and Iraqis about 7%.
This large-scale displacement was primarily associated with war, conflict, persecution and instability.