Humanitarian organization Doctors without Borders (MSF) has reported that over 600 people, including newborns and children, drowned or were reported missing as they attempted to cross the central Mediterranean Sea to reach Europe over the past four weeks. These tragedies, said MSF, which represent half the deaths reported at sea so far this year, occurred when rescue vessels operated by NGOs were not active anymore in the Mediterranean.
''Europe's political decisions over the last few weeks had lethal consequences'', said Karline Kleijer, who is in charge of emergencies for MSF. ''The decision to let men, women and children drown in the Mediterranean was taken in cold blood. It is shameful and unacceptable.'' ''Instead of deliberately hindering lifesaving medical and humanitarian assistance for people in danger, young Europeans need to activate a system dedicated to search and rescue'' missions in the central Mediterranean.
Governments ban arrivals 'at all cost'
A month ago, Italian authorities did not allow the Aquarius vessel, operated in cooperation by SOS Mediterranee and Doctors Without Borders, to offload 630 people rescued at sea. More humanitarian ships reported facing obstacles or being blocked by European States. MSF stressed in a statement that boats operating in international waters between Malta, Italy and Libya have been accused by European politicians of being a factor of attraction, but recent events show that desperate people are continuing to flee Libya regardless of rescue vessels, due to violence, poverty and war.
''European governments are fully aware of the alarming levels of violence and exploitation endured by refugees, asylum seekers and migrants in Libya but are determined to prevent people from reaching Europe at all cost,'' the organization said.
Europe 'responsible for these deaths'
MSF reported that Libyan coast guards supported by the European Union have so far intercepted some 10,000 people this year, taking them to detention centers in Libya ''without considering the consequences for the life and health of those people. Delegating to Libyan coast guards all the responsibility of search and rescue (missions) in the Mediterranean will only lead to more deaths''.With peak season for immigration drawing closer ''saving human lives must be the most urgent priority,'' said MSF.
The organization stressed that ''humanitarian rescue ships have a vital role'' in providing assistance to people at sea. ''The political decision to close ports to people rescued at sea has increased the mortality rate of the world's most lethal migration route'', said Sophie Beau, vice president of SOS Mediterranee. ''Europe has the responsibility of these deaths''.''European governments need to immediately react and guarantee that international maritime and humanitarian rights are fully respected''.