CYIL vol. 13 (2022)

VIOLETA VASILIAUSKIENĖ

CYIL 13 ȍ2022Ȏ

Source: https://reliefweb.int/report/lithuania/lithuania-migrant-influx-eu-civil-protection-mechanism-response-dg-echo daily-map In the years before the crisis, the number of illegal migrants crossing into Lithuania via Belarus was on average around 70. 9 However, in June 2021, the number of illegal migrants who were detained rose to around 470, rising to thousands the next month. 10 As we see from the picture, there were 3836 arrivals in Lithuania via Belarus in 2021. The most frequent ethnic origin of the migrants – ethnic and religious minorities from Iraq (Kurds and Yazidis). Some flee persecution from Islamic State, but many of migrants come from the semiautonomous Kurdistan region of Iraq, which is considered the most stable and secure region of the country, they seek a better life abroad due to the lack of opportunities in the region. 11 Some of the migrants are from Syria, Yemen, some from other regions in both Asia and Africa, including from Afghanistan and Cameroon. 12 In Lithuania the illegal migration crisis led to the declaration of state level extraordinary situation (a regime somewhat weaker to that of the state of emergency) on 2 July 2021. 13 The issues that Lithuanian government faced due to the mass influx of migrants was 9 THEBAULT, R., DIXON, R. ‘Why are so many migrants coming to one of Europe’s smallest countries? Blame Belarus, officials say.’ The Washington Post (Brussels, 1 August 2021) accessed 31 May 2022. 10 Ibid. 11 ARRAF (n 7). 12 ARRAF, J., KHALEEL, S. ‘Limping and Penniless, Iraqis Deported From Belarus Face Bleak Futures’ The New York Times (Iraq, 22 November 2021) accessed 31 May 2022. 13 Lietuvos Respublikos Vyriausybė [The Government of the Republic of Lithuania] ‘Dėl valstybės lygio ekstremaliosios situacijos paskelbimo ir valstybės lygio ekstremaliosios situacijos operacijų vadovo paskyrimo’ [Concerning the declaration of Extraordinary situation and appointment of a Head of extraordinary situation operations] TAR, 2021, No. 15235.

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