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 « mediterranean » matched 1673 results. Only the first 1,000 results are displayed. Displaying page 4 of 112 pages.
-
Desperate Journeys. Refugees and migrants entering and crossing Europe via the Mediterranean and Western Balkans routes
27 Feb 2017 ... Most refugees and migrants entered the European Union (EU) through three primary routes: the Central Mediterranean route from North Africa to Italy, the Eastern Mediterranean route from Turkey to ...... -
3.4.2 Meeting of State Representatives on Rescue at Sea and Maritime Interception in the Mediterranean, Madrid, 23-24 May 2006, Background Discussion Paper (10-Point Plan Expert Roundtable No.1: Controlling Borders while Ensuring Protection)
21 Nov 2008 ... Meeting of State Representatives on Rescue at Sea and Maritime Interception in the Mediterranean ... Migrant and refugee flows have long been a challenge to the States bordering the Mediterranean Sea. ...... -
Joint statement on Mediterranean crossings
23 Apr 2015 ... Joint Statement on Mediterranean Crossings of UN High Commissioner for Refugees António Guterres, ... A tragedy of epic proportions is unfolding in the Mediterranean. We, the undersigned*, strongly urge ...... -
Mediterranean Drownings: The High Commissioner's Comments
15 Apr 2015 ... The High Commissioner for Refugees António Guterres expressed shock at news from the Mediterranean that hundreds of people were missing after their boat sank and called anew for urgent action to ...... -
Spain
... registered by sea and land (Ceuta and Melilla) through the Western Mediterranean route and the North/West Africa Atlantic route towards the Canary Islands, over half of them to the Canaries shores. ...... -
Central Mediterranean situation: UNHCR calls for an additional 40,000 resettlement places
11 Sep 2017 ... Mediterranean route. “These 40,000 resettlement places, which will complement already existing commitments, will be crucial to help the most vulnerable refugees along the Central Mediterranean ...... -
Mediterranean crossings in 2015 already top 100,000
9 Jun 2015 ... GENEVA, June 9 (UNHCR) - Refugee and migrant arrivals to Europe across the Mediterranean so far in 2015 have moved above 100,000, with record numbers now arriving every day in the Greek islands. ...... -
Italy: Mediterranean Rescue
21 Mar 2014 ... The Italy Navy rescues hundreds of migrants and asylum seekers on the high seas as the numbers of people undertaking the crossing of the Mediterranean from North Africa grows.... -
On this journey, no one cares if you live or die.' Abuse, protection, and justice along routes between East and West Africa and Africa's Mediterranean coast
29 Jul 2020 ... East and West Africa and Africa’s Mediterranean coast FOREWORD By Charlotte Slente, ... as the Central Mediterranean Route have blighted tens of thousands of lives over the last decade. ......