More than 2,500 exiles dead or missing in Mediterranean this year, UN says

Since the start of the year, more than 2,500 exiles have died or gone missing after trying to cross the Mediterranean to Europe, said an official from the UN High Commissioner for Refugees on Thursday September 28.

“As of September 24, more than 2,500 people have been counted dead or missing in 2023. This number represents an increase of two thirds, compared to 1,680 people during the same period of 2022”declared Ruven Menikdiwela, director of the UNHCR office in New York, during a Security Council meeting devoted to the migrant crisis in the Mediterranean.

An 83% increase in arrivals

According to its figures, 186,000 exiles have arrived in southern Europe since the start of the year, including 130,000 in Italy. This represents “an increase of 83% compared to the same period of 2022”. Between January and August, more than 102,000 migrants attempted to cross the Mediterranean from Tunisia, and 45,000 from Libya. Of this number, 31,000 were rescued at sea or intercepted and disembarked in Tunisia, and 10,600 in Libya, added Ruven Menikdiwela.

“Lives are also being lost on earth, away from public attention”she continued. “The journey from West Africa or East Africa and the Horn of Africa to Libya and departure points on the coast remains one of the most dangerous in the world”underlined the manager. “Refugees and migrants traveling overland routes from sub-Saharan Africa risk death, and serious human rights violations at every step”.