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Consequently, some European countries experienced an increase in their refugee and asylum seeker
population. In Germany, this population rose to 1.3 million people by the end of 2016, while in Sweden
it reached 313,300. At the end of 2016, Turkey hosted 2.9 million refugees, while the rest of the
European countries hosted 2.3 million. Half of them were unprotected unaccompanied children running
the risk of exploitation and abuse.

The number of asylum seekers in Cyprus continues to increase remarkably, mainly due to the conflict in
Syria. Specifically, 1,372 people applied for asylum from January to March 2018 alone. UNHCR Cyprus
works to protect the rights and welfare of asylum seekers and refugees through legal advice, training
and other support to the authorities. UNHCR Cyprus also collaborates with NGOs (Non-Governmental
Organisations) to support refugees and asylum seekers in meeting their needs, and conducts
educational and public information activities on refugee issues.

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