Where Are the Syrian Refugees?

I am Professor Hans Rosling. Let me show you where the Syrian refugees are today. Before this very tragic conflict started, there were around 20 million people living in Syria. Each block here represent one million people. Today, more than half of that population—12 million—have left their homes. Eight million have fled to other parts of Syria. They're often referred to as internally displaced people. Four million live as refugees in the neighboring countries. It's mainly Turkey, Lebanon, and Jordan. Now, how many has made it to the European Union?

It's only a quarter of a million—250,000 Syrian refugees that have applied for asylum in the European Union. This is less than two percent of the total number of internal and external refugees from Syria. In Syria, the tragic conflict is intensifying. Daesh, the so-called Islamic State, recently took control of one more city, so the number of refugees will increase.

The Syrian refugees are not allowed to apply for asylum in the embassies of the EU countries in this region. But, if they find a way to travel to an EU country, then, inside the country, they are allowed to apply, and they will also be granted asylum today because the situation is so terrible in Syria. But in order to exercise that right, they have to enter the EU illegally, through costly and dangerous journeys. But presently the European Union is discussing a quota plan that will enable refugees of different origin that live outside Europe to apply for asylum before coming. And that will secure safe travels.