It called for the re-establishment of a system for search and rescue operations
170% UNHCR: an increase in the percentage of immigrants arriving in Italy by sea
The number of deaths of migrants who drowned at sea this year has increased by 200%.
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Most of the migrants come from the Sahel countries.
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Italy kept its ports open during the pandemic.
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The number of immigrants who arrived in Italy in 2021 reached 10,400 people.
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The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees has warned of an increase in the deaths of refugees and migrants in the central Mediterranean, with a 170% increase in the number of arrivals by sea to Italy in 2021, compared to the same period in 2020.
This comes on the heels of recent rescue operations of migrants to Italy by charity ships in the central Mediterranean.
Most of the migrants come from Mali, the Sahel region, Eritrea and North Africa.
"There are 5.5 million refugees and internally displaced persons in the Sahel countries, so what we see here, in Italy, is just the tip of the iceberg," the UN News website quoted the UNHCR spokeswoman in Italy, Carlotta Sami, as saying.
She explained that the number of arrivals by sea to Italy in 2021 increased to 10 thousand and 400 people, representing an increase of 170% compared to 2020.
The Commission commended Italy for keeping its ports open during the pandemic, but called on other European countries to intensify their efforts to strengthen the protection of people traveling along this route, and to provide safe alternatives.
“There is an urgent need for solidarity from other EU members,” the spokeswoman said.
The commission is extremely concerned about the number of deaths.
So far in 2021, at least 500 people are known to have lost their lives trying to cross the central Mediterranean. ”
“In 2020, 150 died in this period of the year,” she added.
So we have an increase of 200%.
Of course, the tragic loss of life confirms the need to re-establish a system coordinated by states for search and rescue operations in the central Mediterranean.
Most of the migrants come from Mali, the Sahel region, Eritrea, and North Africa.
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