Posted29 avril 2022, 13:42
According to statistics revealed on Friday by the UNHCR, the number of exiles to have lost their lives in the Mediterranean or between Africa and the Canary Islands has almost doubled last year.
Most sea crossings are in overcrowded inflatable boats in poor condition, UNHCR says. Many of these boats deflate or capsize, resulting in the death of the occupants.
AFP
More than 3,000 migrants died last year at sea trying to reach Europe, double the toll recorded in 2020, the UN said on Friday. And the situation does not seem to improve much in 2022. “Alarmingly, since the beginning of the year, 478 additional people have died or have been reported missing at sea,” said a spokeswoman for the High Commission for the for Refugees (UNHCR) in Geneva, Shabia Mantoo.
“Of this total, 1,924 people were reported dead or missing on the Central and Western Mediterranean routes, while another 1,153 perished or were reported missing on the sea route from North West Africa to the Canary Islands. “said the spokesperson. According to the UNHCR, the Covid-19 pandemic and the resulting border closures have had an impact on migration flows, with many refugees and migrants turning to smugglers to try to reach Europe despite everything.
Disappeared without a trace
Most sea crossings are in overcrowded inflatable boats in poor condition, UNHCR says. Many of these boats deflate or capsize, resulting in the death of the occupants. “The sea journey from West African coastal states, such as Senegal and Mauritania, and the Canary Islands is long and perilous and can take up to ten days,” the spokesperson said. UNHCR, during a regular press briefing by UN agencies in Geneva. “Many boats have strayed from their course or disappeared without a trace in these waters,” she continued.
(AFP)
