The UN estimates that more than 1100 people have died trying to make the same journey since January.

The sinking of a ship off the Greek coast in which hundreds of mostly Pakistani citizens lost their lives briefly attracted the attention of the world’s media. But smaller tragedies continue to happen beyond the headlines, as rickety boats set sail on a daily basis.

How many people are trying to reach Europe? Where are they coming from, and why? What more should be done to try to ensure their safety, and how can a fairer and more humane system of asylum and migration be established?

Speakers:

Ben Judah is an author and journalist. He has reported from across Europe with his writing on politics and society featuring widely, including in The Sunday Times and The Financial Times. His latest book, This is Europe, provides an insightful and immersive exploration of the social, political, and economic realities within Europe. Previous books include Fragile Empire, This is London, longlisted for the Baillie Gifford Prize 2016 and for the 2019 Ryszard Kapuscinski Award for Literary Reportage.



Katy Fallon is a journalist based in Athens, she is a frequent contributor to the Guardian and Al Jazeera English and covers migration and human rights abuses at Europe’s borders.



Ravishaan Rahel Muthiah is the Communications Director at the Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants, a migrants rights charity that has challenged policies that lead to discrimination, destitution and the denial of migrants rights for over 50 years. Prior to joining JCWI, Rav led record-breaking Parliamentary election campaigns and winning Deputy Leadership campaigns at the Labour Party. He’s won campaigns against corporate giants and broke political mobilisation records at Greenpeace UK and Small Axe. Rav has an academic background in International Law with a focus on international human rights and international refugee law.

Moderator:

Chris Morris is a freelance writer, broadcaster and consultant. Leaving BBC News in 2022 after more than 25 years as a senior correspondent, he continues to write and broadcast on international and political affairs, and to moderate panel discussions.


In collaboration with Pranvera Shema Smith, founder of On Front Line.