At least 370 people have died and 300 are still missing along a migrant route in the Central Mediterranean from the beginning of the year until August 9, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Libya. Calls continue to be made for the opening of legal channels of migration and more funding by international organizations.
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) said in its latest update on the X social media platform that at least 370 people have died and 300 have gone missing on the central Mediterranean route this year as of August 9.
In the same period, migrants intercepted at sea and taken back to Libya numbered 14,063, including 12,170 men, 1,295 women, 453 children, and 145 whose gender is not known.
Similar figures are provided by UNHCR, which has recorded 675 deaths, including presumed ones due to being missing since the beginning of the year in the Central Mediterranean, accounting for 70 percent of all deaths and missing persons in the Mediterranean Sea.
UNHCR noted that the people who arrived on Italian coasts in July had left on boats from Libya, Tunisia, Turkey, and Algeria.
Libya continues to be the top departure country, accounting for about 90 percent of all those arriving via sea to Italy, while 81 percent of the people who arrived in July disembarked on Lampedusa.
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UNHCR wants more EU-level coordination and more legal channels
UNHCR has once again asked for more search and rescue operations and for them to be coordinated at the European level to support the Italian Coast Guard and facilitate broader access to regular channels for those seeking international protection, including through humanitarian and work corridors and evacuation.
The UN agency lamented sharp cuts in funds for the 122 million people fleeing wars and humanitarian crises, "a record high, double that of 10 years ago".
In the eyes of Mediterranean Hope, these deaths "are not the fault of those who leave. They are the political responsibility of European governments that shift the problem elsewhere.
The consequence of these policies is the loss of human lives and, with them, the dignity and values of Europe."
Save The Children added that the countless losses of children's lives in the attempt to reach Europe are unacceptable, while Sea Watch expressed "anger and frustration" since their own ship and that of other NGOs "could rescue people in minutes" if properly directed.
The German NGO added that it was unclear whether anyone knew about those boats travelling from Libya to Lampedusa.
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