During 2008, out of a total estimated figure of more than 67,000 people crossing to Europe by sea, some 38,000 persons arrived in Italy and Malta alone, mostly after transiting through Libya. The vast majority applied for asylum, and more than half of those claiming asylum were found to be in need of international protection. With few opportunities to enter the EU by regular means, thousands of people threatened by persecution and serious human rights violations in their home countries have no choice but to take the dangerous sea route.
