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 « mare nostrum » matched 76 results. Displaying page 6 of 9 pages.
-
High seas tragedies leave more than 300 dead on the Mediterranean in past week
26 Aug 2014 ... ... "UNHCR commends the life-saving 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 ...... -
Statement of the International Catholic Migration Commission
18 Nov 2014 ... ... No retreat from the Godsend Italian navy Operation Mare Nostrum. Who else on the planet anywhere saves 160,000 lives in 12 months?? Like Mr. Kabeto, ICMC is honoured to join the crowd expressing ...... -
Former Syrian TV chef whets appetite of Paris fashion fans
22 Mar 2017 ... ... After a gruelling, 12-day journey on an overcrowded boat heading from Alexandria to Italy, they were picked up thanks to the Italian government’s Mare Nostrum search-and-rescue operation. “I was ...... -
Eritrean survivor of Lampedusa tragedy returns to honour the dead, meet Pope Francis
2 Oct 2014 ... ... As a result of this tragedy and a second sinking that left 268 Syrian refugees dead on October 11, the Italian government launched its "Mare Nostrum" operation, which has since saved more than 140,000 ...... -
Haunted by a sinking ship
24 Jul 2014 ... ... policy in Europe, leading Italian authorities to launch a search and rescue operation known as Mare Nostrum. To date, it has rescued more than 80,000 people – undoubtedly saving the lives of many. ...... -
High Commissioner's Dialogue on Protection Challenges, Protection at Sea. Opening remarks by Mr. António Guterres, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. Geneva, 10 December 2014
10 Dec 2014 ... ... Italy in particular is to be commended for its Mare Nostrum initiative, which has saved over 160,000 people. Maintaining a robust European search and rescue capacity across the Mediterranean, rather ...... -
UNHCR Global Appeal 2015 Update - Europe summary
1 Dec 2014 ... ... In an effort to reduce the risks of such journeys, in October 2013 the Italian Government launched the Mare Nostrum Operation, which has rescued over 100,000 people. Increases in arrivals have also ...... -
UNHCR's Recommendations to Italy for its EU Presidency, July-December 2014
25 Jul 2014 ... ... UNHCR welcomes the initiative by the Italian government to launch Mare Nostrum in the wake of the tragedy off the coast of Lampedusa in October 2013. Since then more than 50,000 lives have been saved. ...... -
Summary Record of the 682nd Meeting
13 Oct 2014 ... ... Repelling people simply deflected the burden to other States. UNHCR applauded the Italian Government’s Mare Nostrum initiative and the operations of Task Force Mediterranean. It also called for ......