International organisations, European politicians, NGOs, and representatives from various countries are seeking solutions to the issue of migrant deaths in the Mediterranean Sea. Despite the risks involved, people continue to rely on smugglers' services to cross into Europe.
The International Organization for Migration states that since 2014, over twenty thousand people have lost their lives attempting to cross the Mediterranean Sea in their pursuit of reaching Europe.
"Migrants are forced to resort to smugglers' services because they have no other safe means of reaching Europe, even if it means braving the perilous journey across the Mediterranean Sea, which has become a graveyard," says analyst Carmin Conte from the Migration Policy Group.
The actions of law enforcement agencies from EU member states, who are observed pushing back people at the European border, may contribute to refugees opting for longer and more perilous routes. This suggests that stricter border control measures could be pushing migrants to take greater risks in their attempts to reach safety in Europe.
To address the issue and ensure the rescue of migrants, search and rescue zones have been established in the Mediterranean Sea, with nearby states taking responsibility for these areas. However, the lack of coordination between governmental authorities and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) is a concern. NGOs have reported difficulties in obtaining information and assistance from rescue coordination centres in Malta and Italy, with instances of noncooperation between officials and NGOs being recorded.
These findings highlight the importance of improved coordination and collaboration between relevant stakeholders, including law enforcement agencies, governments, and NGOs, to ensure the safety and well-being of migrants crossing the Mediterranean. Effective communication, data sharing, and cooperation between all parties involved in search and rescue operations are crucial for preventing further loss of life and addressing the humanitarian challenges associated with migration in the region.
"It is crucial that search and rescue capabilities are strengthened, ensuring that this is a process managed by and supported primarily by states," says UNHCR spokesperson Matthew Saltmarsh.
In one of her tweets following a shipwreck on June 15, European Commissioner for Home Affairs Ylva Johansson proposed creating legal pathways for migrants to access Europe.
1/2
Deeply affected by this deadly tragedy off the Greek coast.
We have a collective moral duty to dismantle the criminal networks.
The best way to ensure safety of migrants is to prevent these catastrophic journeys…
According to the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, conditions should be created for people to be able to return to their countries.
"In the end, the overwhelming majority of refugees want to return home. Conditions need to be created for them to do so," reminds Matthew Saltmarsh.
Comments (0)