UNHCR concerned over ending of rescue operation in the Mediterranean
This is a summary of what was said by UNHCR spokesperson William Spindler – to whom quoted text may be attributed – at today's press briefing at the Palais des Nations in Geneva.
UNHCR is concerned over the announcement of the ending this month of the Italian operation Mare Nostrum without a similar European search and rescue operation to replace it. This will undoubtedly increase the risk for those trying to find safety in Europe, and could lead to more refugees and migrants perishing at sea. It is estimated that 3343 people have lost their lives this year while making such journeys, 2755 of them since the start of July.
UNHCR has welcomed Mare Nostrum, which has contributed to the rescue of around 150,000 refuges and migrants since it began a year ago as a response to two tragedies off the coast of Lampedusa, where over 600 refugees and migrants died. Today, UNHCR reiterates its call for Europe to commit more resources to rescue at sea in the Mediterranean.
It is critical that the long-established tradition of rescue at sea is upheld by all. UNHCR also recognizes the efforts made by many commercial vessels - this year alone they have contributed to the rescue of about 37,000 people. To the extent possible, such rescue must ensure minimal financial impact on the shipping industry. Predictability on places for the disembarkation in safety of those rescued is also required.
In addition, Europe needs to step up efforts to provide credible legal alternatives to dangerous voyages to protect people from the risks of traveling with smugglers. The collective response needs to maintain a strong capacity to rescue people at sea and increase safer ways for refugees to find safety in Europe, including enhanced resettlement, other forms of humanitarian admission and private sponsorship schemes. UNHCR is also calling on European governments to do more to facilitate family reunification and use programmes such as student or employment visas to benefit refugees.
The level of desperation among many of those involved, fleeing war, persecution and violence, including from Syria require our concerted efforts to respond. This trend began in June and July last year, before Mare Nostrum was established, and has continued in 2014. In addition, an increased number of women, children, including many unaccompanied, and elderly people are taking to dangerous sea routes. They face greater risks, are more vulnerable to abuse and have specific needs that require assistance after they are rescued.
These challenges cannot be addressed by a few states alone; a joint European response is needed, based on collaboration among states and EU support. These efforts also need to ensure additional initial reception facilities, adequate reception conditions, assistance in processing as well as identifying solutions for those in need of international protection
For more information on this topic, please contact:
- In Rome, In Rome, Carlotta Sami on mobile +39 335 679 4746
- In Rome, Federico Fossi on mobile +31 349 0843461
- In Geneva, William Spindler on mobile +41 79 217 3011
Related news and stories
First UNITY Cup shows the power of football to connect refugees and hosts
Scholarships in Italy allow refugees to dream again
Relief for asylum seekers offered a new life outside Libya
Evacuation flights from Libya to Italy bring hope for vulnerable asylum seekers
UNHCR and Council of Europe discuss statelessness, urge States to uphold the right to a nationality in Europe
UNHCR warns of mounting refugee and migrant deaths in the Central Mediterranean
-
Statement on risks of trafficking and exploitation facing refugees from Ukraine attributed to UNHCR's Assistant High Commissioner for Protection
12 Apr 2022 The following statement is attributed to Gillian Triggs, UNHCR's Assistant High Commissioner for Protection -
MHPSS Annex of Public Health Strategy 2021-2025
11 Apr 2022 The Public Health Strategy 2021-2025 reaffirms the importance of public health in preparation for, and in response to, refugee emergencies addressing the main causes of morbidity and mortality. -
mhGAP HIG Training Materials
11 Apr 2022 The mental health Gap Action Programme (mhGAP) is a WHO programme that seeks to address the lack of care for people suffering from mental, neurological and substance use (MNS) conditions. The mhGAP-IG is a clinical guide for general health-care providers who work in non-specialized health-care settings, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. The mhGAP-HIG was developed in order to address specific challenges in humanitarian emergency settings. -
Résumé - Réunion d'information informelle et virtuelle sur le Pacte mondial sur les réfugiés
11 Apr 2022 -
UNHCR Country Strategy Evaluation: Zambia
11 Apr 2022 Zambia hosts the longest-standing refugee settlement in Africa, at Mayukwayukwa. It was established in 1966 and UNHCR has been actively engaged in the country since that time. As part of its 2020 workplan, UNHCR's Evaluation Service commissioned an independent evaluation team to conduct a Zambia country strategy evaluation for the period 2015 to 2020. The purpose of this forward-looking evaluation is to generate evidence to inform UNHCR's future operational planning and strategy in Zambia. The evaluation also aims to provide inputs into UNHCR Zambia's multi-year planning strategy beyond 2022. Attachments: Management Response and Annexes (.zip) -
UNHCR's Assistant High Commissioner lauds solidarity of Romania and the Republic of Moldova towards Ukrainian refugees
9 Apr 2022 -
Ukraine: How does cash assistance empower refugees?
8 Apr 2022 -
Optimizing Job Applications web
8 Apr 2022 -
Summary record - EC/73/SC/SR.1
8 Apr 2022