Summary:
The deadly shipwreck in Italy, which claimed the lives of dozens of people, serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for action to address this crisis. UN officials have rightly emphasized the importance of taking immediate steps to prevent further loss of life at sea.
The deadly shipwreck in Italy must serve as a wake-up call to the international community to take action to preserve lives and prevent further tragedies at sea.
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Migrants and refugees need secure, legal routes, “In a joint statement, the UN refugee agency (UNCHR) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) sent condolences to the families of the dead.
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The death toll might increase the organizations said that 45 lifeless bodies had been found as of Sunday night, but continued search and rescue crews worry that the death toll may be higher.
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According to reports, the small boat carried at least 170 passengers, including children and families.
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Several passengers aboard the boat, which had departed Turkey, were from Pakistan and Afghanistan.
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According to the IOM Missing Migrants Project, at least 220 migrants died or went missing along the central Mediterranean route in 2023.
In search of a better life, everyone deserves to live in safety and dignity, according to UN Secretary-General António Guterres. “Migrants and refugees need secure, legal routes,”
In a joint statement, the UN refugee agency (UNCHR) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) sent condolences to the families of the dead. They asked governments to do more to meet their responsibilities.
The death toll might increase due to deadly shipwreck in Italy
The organizations said 45 lifeless bodies had been found as of Sunday night, but continued search and rescue crews worry that the death toll may be higher. According to news accounts, the dead included newborns and young children.
According to reports, the small boat carried at least 170 passengers, including children and families. The UN organization for refugees has heard that up to 80 people could be left alive. Some of them have received medical attention at hospitals.
The deadly shipwreck in Italy “Abhorrent horrors”
Chiara Cardoletti, who works for the UNHCR in Italy, the Holy See, and San Marino, said, “It is unconscionable to see families and children put on boats that can’t go to sea.” This tragedy must motivate us to take immediate action.
Several passengers aboard the boat, which had departed Turkey, were from Pakistan and Afghanistan. According to the UNHCR, over 15% of all seaborne entries into Italy in 2022 came from Turkey, with roughly 50% of those entering via this route coming from Afghanistan.
‘Inadequate’ rescue capabilities
The agencies stated they “urgently” needed European Union structures for rescue operations.
Ms. Cardoletti says it is “more important than ever” to increase the rescue capabilities, which are “not enough right now” to stop tragedies like this.
According to Laurence Hart, director of the IOM Coordination Office for the Mediterranean, this shipwreck shows how all European countries must address the issue of maritime migration.
Need for a new strategy
She said this needs help and a plan considering why people want to leave.
According to the IOM Missing Migrants Project, at least 220 migrants died or went missing along the central Mediterranean route in 2023. This number includes the migrants who died on Sunday.
