The United Nations Secretary-General expressed shock and horror on Wednesday at the devastating news of a migrant shipwreck off the coast of Greece, resulting in the deaths of scores of individuals. Reports indicate that at least 79 men, women, and children have been found dead, with hundreds more feared dead or missing. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) estimated that around 400 people were on board, with 104 survivors rescued thus far.
UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric, briefing correspondents in New York, reiterated the words of UN chief António Guterres, emphasizing the urgent need for dignity and safety for all those seeking a better life. The incident serves as another tragic reminder that member states must come together to establish secure and organized pathways for forced migrants, and take comprehensive action to save lives at sea and reduce perilous journeys.
This heartbreaking incident comes in the wake of the release of figures by the IOM, revealing that nearly 3,800 deaths occurred on migration routes within and from the Middle East and North Africa in the previous year. This marks the highest number of fatalities since 2017. The central Mediterranean alone claimed the lives of 441 migrants in the first quarter of this year. Shockingly, since 2014, over 26,000 individuals have died or gone missing across all migration routes.
Filippo Grandi, head of the UN refugee agency (UNHCR), expressed his deep sorrow and anger regarding the latest tragedy at sea via a tweet. He called for governments to cooperate and increase safe pathways, working collectively to address the ongoing flows of migrants. The UNHCR office in Greece also stressed the preventability of the deaths, appealing for the establishment of more safe pathways that do not subject individuals to life-threatening choices.
Greek media reports indicate that the ill-fated boat set sail from the Libyan city of Tobruk and was en route to Italy. This shipwreck is the deadliest off the Greek coast this year. Survivors have been taken to the town of Kalamata, located in southwestern Greece, and are expected to be relocated to a camp outside Athens.
Once again, the Mediterranean has become a grave for those desperately seeking refuge and a better life. It is a wake-up call for governments and stakeholders to take immediate and decisive action to prevent further loss of life, and to offer the dignity and safety that every human being deserves.
