Migrations: 70 migrants missing off Libya coast, presumed dead

Posted On 17 March 2022

Number of times this article was read : 146
Around 70 migrants are presumed dead after going missing off the Libyan coast since late February, the International Organization for Migration said Thursday. The United Nations agency said 22 migrants had been found dead after boats capsized on February 27 and March 12, with 47 still missing.  In the latter tragedy, a boat reportedly carrying 25 migrants capsized off the Libyan port city of Tobruk, bringing the total number of migrants reported dead or missing in the central Mediterranean to 215 so far this year, it said.
“I am appalled by the continuing loss of life in the Central Mediterranean and the lack of action to tackle this ongoing tragedy,” said Federico Soda, IOM’s Libya chief. He called for “concrete action to reduce loss of life … through dedicated and proactive search and rescue and a safe disembarkation mechanism”.  “Each missing migrant report represents a grieving family searching for answers about their loved ones,” he added.
Libya has long been a springboard for migrants, often from countries ravaged by war and poverty, to make desperate bids to reach a better life in Europe.  Many end up drowning in the attempt, making the central Mediterranean route the world’s deadliest migration corridor. More than 123,000 migrants landed in Italy from Libya and neighbouring Tunisia in 2021, up from around 95,000 the previous year, according to the UN’s refugee agency UNHCR. Nearly 2,000 migrants went missing or drowned last year in the Mediterranean, compared to 1,401 in 2020, it says.
afp
Other Articles in this Week's Issue<< Media: Mali bans French state-owned news agencies France24 and RFITerrorism: Insurgents raid bus in SW Niger, kill 21 passengers >>
The North Africa Journal's WhatsApp Group
.

Most Recent Stories from the Region

Written by The North Africa Journal

The North Africa Journal is a leading English-language publication focused on North Africa. The Journal covers primarily the Maghreb region and expands its general coverage to the Sahel, Egypt, and beyond, when events in those regions affect the broader North Africa geography. The Journal does not have any affiliation with any institution and has been independent since its founding in 1996. Our position is to always bring our best analysis of events affecting the region, and remain as neutral as humanly possible. Our coverage is not limited to one single topic, but ranges from economic and political affairs, to security, defense, social and environmental issues. We rely on our full staff analysts and editors to bring you best-in-class analysis. We also work with sister company MEA Risk LLC, to leverage the presence on the ground of a solid network of contributors and experts. Information on MEA Risk can be found at www.MEA-Risk.com.

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This