Child refugee arrivals increasing rapidly in Greece

It is often claimed by those with a cynical view of the refugee crisis in Europe that it is just young men who are arriving in our countries seeking refuge and asylum. In the case of Greece, in June 2015, the majority of arrivals were in fact men (73 percent). The share of adult males has however decreased almost every month since then. In their place? Children.

In February 2016, children outnumbered men for the first time with 40 percent to 38. The share of women has also been steadily increasing, making for a marked change in the make-up of those fleeing the war and danger. Further data from the UNHCR shows that in February, over half of Greece's arrivals were from Syria. A quarter had fled from Afghanistan, hoping for a better, safer life in Europe. The journey across the Aegean is of course highly dangerous itself - 96 refugees died in January this year alone. 34 were recorded missing.

This chart was featured by the Independent.