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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Overview of UNHCR's operations in Europe
20 Feb 2015 ... ... Most of the 170,100 people who disembarked in Italy were rescued at sea by the Italian Navy operation Mare Nostrum. UNHCR has repeatedly expressed concern about the recent termination of Mare Nostrum ...... -
UNHCR chief Guterres and Angelina Jolie warn of mounting crisis in the Mediterranean
15 Sep 2014 ... in Europe by sea so far this year, more than double the 60,000 recorded in 2013. Italy has received over 118,000 arrivals, most of them rescued at sea by Italy under its naval operation, Mare Nostrum. ...... -
The Interdiction of Asylum Seekers at Sea: Law and (mal)practice in Europe and Australia
May 2017 ... ... Coast Guard in 2016 (EBCG), 12 have taken over national SAR initiatives, such as the Italian Mare Nostrum mission in the Strait of Sicily, which rescued more than 140,000 migrants in distress at sea ...... -
UNHCR Global Report 2014 - Europe regional summary
1 Jun 2015 ... ... S OU T H - E A S T ER N EUROP E N OR T H ER N, W E S T ER N, C EN T R A L A ND S OU T H ER N EUROP E Navy operation Mare Nostrum. UNHCR repeatedly expressed concern about the termination of Mare ...... -
Three boat tragedies in five days on the Mediterranean - scores feared dead
26 Aug 2014 ... ... UNHCR commends the lifesaving Mare Nostrum (Our Sea) operation the Italian Navy and coastguard is conducting that has saved thousands of lives. As more refugees and migrants risk their lives at sea to ...... -
Civil Society recommendations on Protection at Sea
11 Nov 2014 ... ... Operation Mare Nostrum We urge States to remove disincentives to rescuing migrants and refugees at sea by reaching cooperative international agreements on asylum, migration, and border systems. ...... -
Oral update on the High Commissioner's 2014 Dialogue and follow-up to the Dialogues in 2012 and 2013
10 Feb 2015 ... ... In this regard, Italy’s Mare Nostrum operation was praised not only for saving lives, but also for ensuring predictable disembarkation in a place of safety. There were repeated calls for all 1 For ...... -
UNHCR's Recommendations to Latvia for its EU Presidency, January-June 2015
12 Jan 2015 ... ... With the end of Mare Nostrum Operation, which has led to more than 160,000 people rescued, UNHCR is concerned about the lack of a dedicated search and rescue operation to replace it. UNHCR therefore ...... -
Child protection including education
6 Jun 2014 ... ... A large number of children, including newborns and UASC, were among the 26,000 survivors rescued at sea through the Italian Mare Nostrum initiative since October 2013. Finally, 53 per cent of the ......