The first quarter of 2023, between January and March, was the deadliest for migrants crossing the Mediterranean since 2017, with 441 lives lost trying to reach Europe, the UN said on Wednesday.
The United Nations International Organization for Migration (IOM) estimated that this figure of 441 deaths between January and March 2023 is below reality. “ With more than 20 000 deaths recorded on this road since 2014, I’m afraid these deaths have been normalized “, he warned, adding that “ delays and shortcomings in state-led search and rescue operations cost lives “. “ During the Easter weekend, 3 000 migrants have reached Italy, bringing the total number of arrivals since the start of the year to 31 192 people said IOM.
The IOM clarified that the delays in operations Search and rescue (SAR) forces have been a contributing factor in at least six incidents so far this year, resulting in the deaths of at least 127 of the remaining 441 people. “ Complete lack of response during a seventh rescue operation claimed the lives of at least 73 migrants still included in that same tally, IOM said in a statement, adding that search and rescue efforts by non-governmental organizations have declined markedly in recent months.
Entire boats missing
“ The continuing humanitarian crisis in the central Mediterranean is intolerable said IOM chief Antonio Vitorino. The project “ Missing Migrants” of the United Nations agency is also investigating several cases of missing boats, where there is no trace of survivors, debris and where no search and rescue operations have been carried out. Some 300 people on board these boats are still missing, the organization said.
” Saving lives at sea is a legal obligation for States “said Antonio Vitorino. “ We need proactive coordination of States in search and rescue efforts. Guided by the spirit of responsibility sharing and solidarity, we call on States to work together and strive to reduce the loss of life along the migration routes “, he added.
According to our information, the two ships have been rescued or are still on their way to Italy, accompanied by the Italian coast guard. But we do not know if they have already arrived. And we don’t know how the people on board are doing either.
Oliver Kulikowski (Sea Watch) on the rescue of two ships with 1,200 migrants on board
► To read also: International report – Italy: a restrictive law complicates the reception of migrants
(With AFP)