The president of the Italian Red Cross, Rosario Valastro, has confirmed a downward trend in migrant arrivals as of July, 2024. "In July 2023,18,723 people were received at the Contrada Imbriacola hotspot on Lampedusa, compared with 4,231 registered this year, also in July," Valastro said.

The president of the aid organization noted that the figures represented a 77 percent drop in arrivals compared with last year.

"The reception activity of the Italian Red Cross in Lampedusa, as well as in all the Italian ports where we are engaged, continues steadily, thanks also to the transfer network and the support of other associations and law enforcement agencies," said Valastro.

The Lampedusa 'hotspot' has been managed by the Italian Red Cross since June 1, 2023.

Also read: Almost 95,000 migrants passed through Lampedusa over a year

2,428 landings, 102,466 people hosted

A total of 102,466 people have been hosted at the center, following their arrival in nearly 2,500 boats, or "landing events".

"In a moment like this," Valastro continued, "where ongoing conflicts seriously endanger the respect for human dignity and life, the staff and volunteers of the Italian Red Cross continue to emphasize through their work the necessity for humanity to be an increasingly shared [as an] indispensable value, not only for migrants but for all women, men, girls, and boys who are suffering or need help."