Rising Tragedy: Over 2,500 Migrants Lost in the Mediterranean in 2023

2023-09-28 20:15:27

– More than 2,500 migrants dead or missing in the Mediterranean in 2023

The UN estimates that more than 2,500 migrants have died or disappeared in the Mediterranean Sea since the start of 2023.

Published today at 10:15 p.m.

According to the UN, between January 1 and September 24, 2023, a total of 186,000 migrants arrived in southern Europe (pretext image).

AFP

More than 2,500 migrants have died or gone missing following trying to cross the Mediterranean to Europe since the start of the year, an official from the UN High Commissioner for Refugees said on Thursday.

“As of September 24, more than 2,500 people have been counted as dead or missing in 2023. This number represents an increase of two thirds, compared to 1,680 people during the same period of 2022,” said Ruven Menikdiwela, director of the office of the UNHCR in New York, during a Security Council meeting devoted to the migrant crisis in the Mediterranean.

“Increase of 83%”

“Lives are also being lost on earth, away from public attention,” she insisted. “The journey from West Africa or East Africa and the Horn of Africa to Libya and departure points on the coast remains one of the most dangerous in the world,” he said. she indicated.

“Refugees and migrants traveling overland routes from sub-Saharan Africa risk death and serious human rights violations at every step.” According to its figures, between January 1 and September 24, 2023, a total of 186,000 migrants arrived in southern Europe (Italy, Greece, Cyprus and Malta), including 130,000 in Italy, “an increase by 83% compared to the same period of 2022.

As for the countries of departure, between January and August 2023, more than 102,000 migrants attempted to cross the Mediterranean from Tunisia, and 45,000 from Libya. Of this number, 31,000 were rescued at sea or intercepted and disembarked in Tunisia, and 10,600 in Libya, she added.

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