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 5 of 112 pages.
-
Careers
... Current Vacancies UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, takes the lead in protecting people forced to flee ... Despite the challenges they can face, our staff are proud to work for UNHCR and determined to make a ...... -
UNHCR Monitoring Report: Canada - United States "Safe Third Country" Agreement, 29 December 2004-28 December 2005
1 Jun 2006 ... ...………………………………………88 1. UNHCR Monitoring Plan (Canada / USA)……………………………………...88 2. UNHCR Monitoring Objectives (Canada / USA)………………...... -
UNHCR Global Report 2006 - UNHCR: An Overview
1 Jun 2007 ... UNHCR / H. Caux PART I – UNHCR: AN OVERVIEW Chad. UNHCR trucks deliver WFP food to a centre in Djabal camp which hosts 14,000 refugees from Darfur. Populations of concern to UNHCR (as at 31 December ...... -
UNHCR Global Report 2007 - Part I: UNHCR A Overview
1 Jun 2008 ... Asylum-seekers and migrants around the fishing boat that brought them across the Gulf of Aden to Yemen. PART I UNHCR: An overview UNHCR/A. Fazzina Populations of concern to UNHCR 16 UNHCR Global ...... -
UNHCR Global Strategy Beyond Detention: Progress Report mid-2016
18 Aug 2016 ... This centre was closed end of July 2007, and replaced with a new one opened in August. © UNHCR / G. Kotschy / 2007. © UNHCR 2016 Layout & design: BakOS DESIGN TABLE OF CONTENTS ACRONYMS AND ...... -
UNHCR Iraq Country Portfolio Evaluation
Sep 2020 ... Conducted by Itad: Pierre Townsend, Jason Collodi, Sara Pavanello UNHCR Country Portfolio Evaluation: Iraq EVALUATION REPORT AUGUST 2020 CENTRALIZED ES/2020/05 UNHCR 2 UNHCR Evaluation Service ...... Attachments: Management Response and Executive Summary (.zip) -
UNHCR Country Strategy Evaluation: Zambia
11 Apr 2022 ... UNHCR COUNTRY STRATEGY EVALUATION: ZAMBIA FINAL REPORT DECEMBER 2021 Conducted by independent consultants: Margie Cook, Ralph-Michael Peters, Denis Mutabazi, Patricia Maritim, Alick Mwale UNHCR 2 ...... Attachments: Management Response and Annexes (.zip) -
UNHCR Data
... At UNHCR we work with data and statistics, which are helping us to understand important information ... The confidentiality of refugee data and related information is highly respected by UNHCR and our ...... -
Terms and Conditions of Use
... Terms of Use of UNHCR Website Use of this website, www.unhcr.org and all pages in this domain (together, the "UNHCR website"), constitutes acceptance of the following terms and conditions. UNHCR ......