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urope is facing its worst migrant crisis since WWII and things are going from bad to worse. According to news reports, 2,000 migrants lost their lives when their overcrowded boat capsized near Zarwa Libya. In another tragic incident, 71 migrants suffocated to death in a small container as they tried to enter Austria, just miles from where EU leaders gathered to discuss the recent flow of migrants into Europe.

The reality is that the Mediterranean has become a large graveyard for migrants, most of whom are coming from the world'€™s poorest and war-ravaged countries. Italy and Greece accuse other'€™s countries of not doing enough to stop the flood of migrants. Unfortunately, Britain, Italy and other European Union countries still have serious differences about how to tackle the migrant crisis.

Only days ago, some countries decided not to take part in any rescue operations in the Mediterranean to save the lives of migrants. These countries fear that rescue operations will encourage more  people to attempt the dangerous sea journey for a better life and future in European countries.

Due to wars, poverty and political uncertainty, thousands of people have tried to reach Europe by sea. Most people coming from North Africa and war-torn Syria risk their lives due to the uncertain future in their own countries.  

Khawaja Umer Farooq
Jeddah