Dead, missing migrants in Mediterranean tripled this summer: UN

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
29 Sep 2023 15:32

A tragic toll of at least 990 individuals lost their lives or went missing while attempting the perilous journey across the central Mediterranean route connecting northern Africa to Europe.

Migrants rest on board an Italian Coast Guard ship after being rescued southwest of the Italian island of Lampedusa in the Mediterranean Sea, on Saturday, Aug. 6, 2022 (AP)

The United Nations has reported a tragic escalation in the number of migrants bound for Europe who have perished or gone missing in the Mediterranean this summer, revealing that it has tragically transformed into what UNICEF describes as a "cemetery," especially for children.

Between June and August, the Mediterranean claimed the lives of at least 990 individuals or left them unaccounted for while attempting the perilous journey from North Africa to Europe. In stark contrast, the same months in 2022 saw 334 deaths, according to UNICEF, the United Nations Children's Fund.

Nicola dell'Arciprete, UNICEF's country coordinator for Italy, disclosed that at least 289 children have lost their lives this year while attempting to make this hazardous crossing.

Moreover, there has been a significant increase in the number of unaccompanied minors among migrants arriving in Italy on makeshift vessels between January and September. Their count has surged by 60 percent compared to the same period in 2022, reaching a total of 11,600.

"The Mediterranean has tragically turned into a resting place for children and their aspirations," remarked UNICEF's Regina De Dominicis. She went on to assert, "The heartbreaking toll of children perishing in search of asylum and safety in Europe is the consequence of political decisions and a flawed migration system."

According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, between January 1 and September 24, a staggering 2,500 migrants have either died or gone missing in the Mediterranean, representing a 50 percent increase from the corresponding period last year.

Nicola dell'Arciprete expressed concern that the surge of migrants arriving on Italy's Lampedusa island earlier this month, with approximately 8,500 arrivals in just three days, may repeat in the weeks ahead.

He emphasized, "We are aware that these figures could potentially rise in the coming months due to various conflicts, natural disasters, or even climate-related events in the countries of origin or transit for these minors."

An ongoing crisis

A few days earlier, a report by The Washington Post detailed the tragedies that irregular migration has claimed in the Mediterranean.

The first quarter of 2023 marked the deadliest period in the central Mediterranean since 2017, as reported by the International Organization for Migration. Director General António Vitorino expressed his deep concern that these deaths may have "been normalized".

Shockingly, of the known deceased, only 13 percent of the bodies were ever recovered by European authorities, as estimated by the International Committee of the Red Cross.

The vast majority of those who perish are never identified. The chances of a relative receiving confirmation of their missing loved one's death are as slim as winning the lottery, as described by a humanitarian official.