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June 20, 2023

World Refugee Day: Fear Grows Death Toll from Migrant Shipwreck Could Top 700
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Today marks World Refugee Day. According to the United Nations, the
number of refugees globally has reached over 35 million - that's 8
million more than a year ago. This comes as concern is growing that as
many as 700 people trying to reach Europe may have drowned in last
week's shipwreck in Greece. Authorities have recovered 80 bodies, but
hundreds more are feared to have drowned. Many of the passengers were
from Egypt, Syria, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Palestine. On Monday,
Pakistan declared a day of mourning for Pakistanis who drowned. The
Greek Coast Guard is facing backlash over its failure to help rescue
passengers before the overcrowded fishing boat sank.


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