2023 Has Had The Highest Number Of Migrant Deaths In Mediterranean Over Last Six Years
The United Nations’ International Organization for Migration (IOM) reported that the first three months of 2023 has already seen the highest number of migrant deaths in the Mediterranean since 2017.
The IOM estimated that the 441 recorded fatalities are likely an undercount, as many deaths go unreported.
Since 2014, there have been over 20,000 deaths on this route, with the IOM expressing concern that these fatalities have become normalised.
The organisation attributes delays and gaps in state-led search and rescue (SAR) operations as significant factors in the loss of life.
In at least six incidents this year, delays in SAR operations have contributed to the deaths of 127 of the 441 recorded fatalities.
One such incident resulted in at least 73 deaths due to a complete lack of response.
IOM chief Antonio Vitorino condemned the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the central Mediterranean and called for a collective effort by states to reduce the loss of life along migration routes.
The IOM’s Missing Migrants Project is currently investigating several cases of missing boats with no traces of survivors or debris and no SAR operations being carried out.
As the number of migrants attempting to enter Italy and Malta has tripled compared to last year, maritime accidents have also increased.
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