2011-2016: MIGRANT CRISIS IN EUROPE

Conflicts in the Middle East and North Africa have led to a large number of migrants and asylum seekers to seek refuge in the European Union (EU).
The extraordinary amount of people crossing borders has resulted in the worst refugee crisis since the Second World War.
Many are leaving terrible conditions such as war zones, torture, persecution, discrimination, and loss of economic opportunity.
However, many do not survive the trip to the EU due to dangerous conditions, and those that do make it face new hardships.
Faced with an ever-increasing amount of people attempting to enter Europe, the EU approved a 2.4 billion euro emergency aid package to assist entry states deal with the new demands.
While migrants may enter the EU via the border countries, many will continue on to a second location in Europe once they have crossed the border in an attempt to reach a location with better conditions for themselves and their family.
In September 2015, leaders from the EU gathered to discuss the migration crisis, which resulted in additional funding and increased border security.

Death and Injury

Most migrants come from the countries of Syria, Eritrea, Afghanistan, Kosovo, Nigeria, Iraq, Senegal, Gambia, and Mali.
Syrians looking to escape the Syrian Civil War, which began in 2011, made up the largest group of migrants seeking shelter in Europe.
Migrants from Eritrea, who are escaping a brutal regime and forced labor, attempt to make the journey to Europe through Libya. In 2015, over 46,000 Eritreans made their way to Europe.
Nigerians trying to escape from poverty and terrorism caused by Boko Haram have made their way through Europe as well.
Additionally, many Iraqis and Afghans have fled their countries due to war in order to find a new start somewhere in the EU.
In 2015, over 1,000,000 people applied for asylum, and since 2011, over 2 million people have migrated to the EU.

Refugees typically leave their homes due to traumatic experiences, including political repression, discrimination, crime, loss of loved ones, loss of economic opportunity, and escaping war zones.
Any one of these traumatic situations may cause refugees to develop an anxiety disorder, depression, substance use, or PTSD. In addition, the journey to a new country can be traumatic as well.
Once in their new country, refugees may face other challenges, including language barriers, seeking shelter and asylum, creating a new support system, and discrimination. Refugees may feel as if they have no home and do not belong anywhere. These feelings can add despair and lead to symptoms of depression and anxiety.