Hundreds of migrants arrive in Greece after crossing Aegean Sea

Hundreds of migrants, mainly from Syria, have arrived in Greece from Turkey. Credit: Reuters/Yannis Behrakis

Hundreds of migrants, mainly from Syria, have arrived in Greece over the past two days after travelling in dinghies from Turkey.

At least 1,200 migrants have reportedly arrived in Greece over the past two days. Credit: Reuters/Yannis Behrakis

European leaders are meeting in Brussels tomorrow to discuss the ongoing migrant crisis but the EU Commissioner for Migration, Dimitris Avramopolulos, told a news conference that Greece was "under extreme pressure and is facing serious problems."

Speaking in Geneva the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein, urged Europe to "expand channels for migration".

The United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon added: "the international community must intensify efforts to provide regular and safe avenues of migration and access to protection."

Most of the migrants are men but some women and children are also among the refugees. Credit: Reuters/Yannis Behrakis
Some of the migrants in Kos have taken up residence at an abandoned hotel. Credit: Reuters/Yannis Behrakis

Italy and Greece, which serve as the main gateway into the EU for migrants from North Africa, Asia and the Middle East, have been appealing for help to deal with the growing crisis which saw over 600,000 people seek refuge in the EU last year.