This number is increasing sharply compared to 2020, according to the High Commission for Refugees, which calls for “alternatives” to avoid deadly journeys.
Le Monde
More than 3,000 migrants trying to join Europe died at sea last year, twice as much as in 2020, announced, Friday, April 29, the UN, which wants “alternatives” to these desperate and dangerous leaks.
“Of this total, 1,924 people were declared dead or disappeared on the roads of the central and Western Mediterranean, while 1,153 others have perished or were missing on the North African sea route- West to the Canary Islands, “said a spokesperson for the UN agency for refugees (UNHCR) in Geneva, Shabia Mantoo. In 2020, 1,544 deaths had been reported for the two roads. “Alarming fact, since the beginning of the year, 478 additional people have perished or have been missing at sea,” noted Ms. Mantoo.
According to the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, the Covid-19 pandemic and the border closings that have arisen have had an impact on migratory flows, many refugees and migrants turning to smugglers To try to join Europe despite everything.
In a report published on Friday, the UNHCR notes in particular that 53,323 people arrived by sea in Italy last year, 83 % more than in 2020, and 23,042 arrived in the Canary Islands, almost as much as in 2020.
There was also a 61 % increase in sea departures from Tunisia last year compared to 2020, and 150 % from Libya. Departures from Algeria, on the other hand, have only very slightly increased (+3 %).
the central Mediterranean, the deadliest road
Most sea crossings are done on crowded inflatable boats and in poor condition, the UNHCR says. Many of these boats deflate or capsize, resulting in the death of the occupants. “The sea trip from the coastal states of West Africa, such as Senegal and Mauritania, and the Canary Islands is long and perilous and can last up to ten days, underlined the spokesperson for the UNHCR , during a regular press briefing of the UN agencies in Geneva many boats have deviated from their route or disappeared without leaving traces in these waters. “
The central Mediterranean is the deadliest migration route in the world, with more than 17,000 dead and disappearances recorded since 2014 by the missing migrant project of the International Organization for Migration (OIM).
The UNHCR ensures that land routes can also be very dangerous for migrants, and believes that an even greater number than in sea of people were able to die during their journey, especially by crossing the desert of the Sahara or when they are detained in captivity by traffickers or smugglers.
Death is not the only danger that threatens refugees and migrants, noted Ms. Mantoo. They are also victims of many human rights violations: extrajudicial executions, illegal and arbitrary detentions, sexual violence, forced work, slavery, forced marriage …
On the occasion of the publication of its statistics, the UNHCR launched a funding for 163.5 million dollars to be able to help and protect thousands of refugees and other people who try to join Europe Going through the dangerous maritime routes of the central and western Mediterranean and the Atlantic. The organization calls on governments to develop “alternatives” so that refugees and migrants do not have to embark on journeys that put them at mercy for traffickers or put their lives in danger.