To date in 2016, over 158,000 refugees have arrived in Greece, a more than 50% increase over the same period (January-June) last year. Nearly 60% of those making the journey to Greece are women and children. More favorable sea conditions are resulting in more boats attempting to cross the Mediterranean; on June 23, the Italian Navy rescued 4,500 people traveling on unseaworthy boats in 40 rescue operations. At least 2,500 people have died trying to make the crossing in 2016.
UNHCR is currently responding to the Greek Government's request to enhance reception capacity and refugee placement following closure of the Idomeni refugee camp. Their Accommodation for Relocation project began in late 2015, and they expect to have successfully placed 20,000 refugees by the end of 2016.
Airlink has now worked with its partners to send 8,100 pounds of aid materials from International Medical Corps and 10 aid workers from Disaster Tech Lab to assist with refugee relief activities in partnership with American Logistics Aid Network (ALAN), British Airways, Nippon Cargo Airlines, and United Airlines. Airlink continues to support relief efforts for refugees as long as the crisis persists.