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
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Your search for « mare nostrum » matched 76 results. Displaying page 4 of 9 pages.
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On eve of Lampedusa disaster anniversary, UNHCR warns that irregular Mediterranean crossings becoming more deadly
2 Oct 2014 ... EU countries must work together to continue and bolster the vital task - which has been mostly carried out by Italy's Mare Nostrum operation, but also by commercial vessels - of rescuing people at ...... -
Mediterranean crossings more deadly a year after Lampedusa tragedy
2 Oct 2014 ... EU [European Union] countries must work together to continue and bolster the vital task - which has been mostly carried out by Italy's Mare Nostrum operation, but also by commercial vessels - of ...... -
Mediterranean crossings rise in first months of 2014 - many fleeing war and persecution
11 Apr 2014 ... UNHCR is ready to work with governments and other partners to identify longer-term solutions in response to the current situation. Since the Italian government set up the rescue operation Mare Nostrum ...... -
Italy rescues 6,000 people crossing Mediterranean in four days
11 Apr 2014 ... Since the Italian government set up the rescue operation Mare Nostrum in October 2013, following tragic shipwrecks in which over 600 people died, more than 20,000 people have been rescued at sea. The ...... -
Item 3 (a) - Regional activities - Statement by Vincent Cochetel, Europe Bureau Director
4 Mar 2015 ... ... I strongly urge the European Union to put in place a solid Search and Rescue operation. Italy’s Mare Nostrum operation has rescued more than 164,000 persons in 2014, but has stopped operating in ...... -
Joint statement on Mediterranean crossings
23 Apr 2015 ... Setting in place a State-led, robust, proactive, and well-resourced search-and-rescue operation, urgently and without delay, with a capacity similar to Mare Nostrum and a clear mission to save lives. ...... -
UNHCR appeals to EU for beefed up Mediterranean search and rescue capacity as at least 29 deaths are reported off Lampedusa
10 Feb 2015 ... crossing the Mediterranean with over 3500 lives being lost - a number that would have been higher if not for the efforts of Italy's Mare Nostrum rescue operation which is no longer in operation. ...... -
European leaders strongly urged to put human life, rights and dignity first in Mediterranean decision
23 Apr 2015 ... Setting in place a state-led, robust, proactive, and well-resourced search-and-rescue operation, urgently and without delay, with a capacity similar to Mare Nostrum and a clear mission to save lives. ...... -
UNHCR urges beefed up search and rescue capacity as at least 29 die off Italy
10 Feb 2015 ... by irregular routes last year while about 3,500 lost their lives in the attempt - a number that would have been higher if not for Italy's Mare Nostrum rescue operation, which ended last year. ......