UNHCR concerned over ending of rescue operation in the Mediterranean
This is a summary of what was said by UNHCR spokesperson William Spindler – to whom quoted text may be attributed – at today's press briefing at the Palais des Nations in Geneva.
UNHCR is concerned over the announcement of the ending this month of the Italian operation Mare Nostrum without a similar European search and rescue operation to replace it. This will undoubtedly increase the risk for those trying to find safety in Europe, and could lead to more refugees and migrants perishing at sea. It is estimated that 3343 people have lost their lives this year while making such journeys, 2755 of them since the start of July.
UNHCR has welcomed Mare Nostrum, which has contributed to the rescue of around 150,000 refuges and migrants since it began a year ago as a response to two tragedies off the coast of Lampedusa, where over 600 refugees and migrants died. Today, UNHCR reiterates its call for Europe to commit more resources to rescue at sea in the Mediterranean.
It is critical that the long-established tradition of rescue at sea is upheld by all. UNHCR also recognizes the efforts made by many commercial vessels - this year alone they have contributed to the rescue of about 37,000 people. To the extent possible, such rescue must ensure minimal financial impact on the shipping industry. Predictability on places for the disembarkation in safety of those rescued is also required.
In addition, Europe needs to step up efforts to provide credible legal alternatives to dangerous voyages to protect people from the risks of traveling with smugglers. The collective response needs to maintain a strong capacity to rescue people at sea and increase safer ways for refugees to find safety in Europe, including enhanced resettlement, other forms of humanitarian admission and private sponsorship schemes. UNHCR is also calling on European governments to do more to facilitate family reunification and use programmes such as student or employment visas to benefit refugees.
The level of desperation among many of those involved, fleeing war, persecution and violence, including from Syria require our concerted efforts to respond. This trend began in June and July last year, before Mare Nostrum was established, and has continued in 2014. In addition, an increased number of women, children, including many unaccompanied, and elderly people are taking to dangerous sea routes. They face greater risks, are more vulnerable to abuse and have specific needs that require assistance after they are rescued.
These challenges cannot be addressed by a few states alone; a joint European response is needed, based on collaboration among states and EU support. These efforts also need to ensure additional initial reception facilities, adequate reception conditions, assistance in processing as well as identifying solutions for those in need of international protection
For more information on this topic, please contact:
- In Rome, In Rome, Carlotta Sami on mobile +39 335 679 4746
- In Rome, Federico Fossi on mobile +31 349 0843461
- In Geneva, William Spindler on mobile +41 79 217 3011
Related news and stories
First UNITY Cup shows the power of football to connect refugees and hosts
Scholarships in Italy allow refugees to dream again
Relief for asylum seekers offered a new life outside Libya
Evacuation flights from Libya to Italy bring hope for vulnerable asylum seekers
UNHCR and Council of Europe discuss statelessness, urge States to uphold the right to a nationality in Europe
UNHCR warns of mounting refugee and migrant deaths in the Central Mediterranean
Your search for « UNHCR » matched 36074 results. Only the first 1,000 results are displayed. Displaying page 13 of 112 pages.
-
UNHCR financial regulations and rules(EC/73/SC/CRP.5)
9 Mar 2022 ... 1 UNHCR financial regulations and rules Summary Pursuant to the decision of Executive Committee of ... United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) the authority to develop and promulgate its ...... -
Evaluation of UNHCR's engagement in humanitarian-development cooperation Sep 2021
7 Dec 2021 ... Neil Ferguson; Laura Peitz, Oscar Díaz Evaluation of UNHCR’s Engagement in Humanitarian-Developme... 2021 CENTRALISED ES/2021/07 ES/2021/05 UNHCR’S ENGAGEMENT IN HUMANITARIAN-DEVELOPMENT ...... Attachments: Executive Summary, Management Response and Annexes (.zip) -
UNHCR WASH - Practical Guidance for Refugee Settings
7 Mar 2023 ... Practical Guidance for Refugee Settings UNHCR WASH PROGRAMME GUIDANCE UNHCR WASH MANUAL © United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Geneva Seventh Edition January 2020 Any part of this ...... -
Terms of use for datasets
... 1. Except where otherwise provided, the datasets made available by UNHCR on the UNHCR Refugee Population Statistics Database (the “Datasets”) are licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution ...... -
LGBTIQ+ persons
... At UNHCR, we work to protect Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex and Queer (LGBTIQ+) ... If you need protection or assistance, please consult our UNHCR Help website In recent decades, the ...... -
Patrons
... Our patrons play a vital role at UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, by increasing awareness of the issues ... Since 2018, the honorary title of UNHCR Patron has been bestowed upon individuals who have used ...... -
2Baba
... was announced as a Goodwill Ambassador for UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency in June 2020. He has ... He is an active supporter of and donor to several humanitarian causes, including UNHCR programs. ...... -
Road Safety
... UNHCR operates a worldwide fleet of some 10,000 motorcycles, light, heavy, and other specialized vehicles. International and local UNHCR and partners personnel use vehicles for road missions to ...... -
Types of career opportunities
... UNHCR Career Opportunities UNHCR staff are driven by compassion and integrity, with a desire to contribute to the world in which they live. They use their skills to find innovative, long-lasting ......