In what the United Nations called Wednesday, "the worst shipwreck of the year," at least 45 migrants lost their lives off the coast of Libya.
Thirty-seven survivors were reported rescued, mostly from Senegal, Mali, Chad and Ghana after the boat’s engine exploded somewhere off the coast between the Berber-speaking Zwara and the capital city, Tripoli.
🚨 Some 45 people die in Largest recorded shipwreck off #Libya this year.
— IOM Libya (@IOM_Libya) August 19, 2020
We urge states to swiftly respond to these incidents and systematically provide a port of safety to people rescued at sea.
Recent delays and failure to assist are unacceptable.https://t.co/xAh7b2gG4o
The United Nations refugee agency (UNHCR) and the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) have called on states to improve search and rescue mobilisations in response to distress calls so as to better spread the rescue responsibility with Libyan vessels — which have been increasingly saddled with the task, in a country where migrants can be victims of human rights violations.
This recent tragedy amounts to at least 450 migrants and refugees drowned in the Mediterranean this year. A number estimated to keep rising.
In 2020, more than 7,000 migrants were returned to Libya — a country experiencing unrest and undermined by war.
Latest Stories
-
Anlo Dukor celebrates grand durbar of Anlo Hogbetsotso Za
24 mins -
Election 2024: Akufo-Addo pledges to respect Ghanaian will
39 mins -
EPL: Antoine Semenyo stars as Bournemouth defeat Manchester City
1 hour -
Watch CCTV footage of dramatic Adabraka daylight robbery
2 hours -
EPL: Liverpool come fron behind to beat Brighton
2 hours -
EPL: Jordan Ayew late goal salvages draw for Leicester against Ipswich
2 hours -
ESCO VOLTA holds meeting to strengthen cross-border cooperation in security, development
2 hours -
Kufuor Scholar champions Agricultural Innovation through Fidelity GreenTech Challenge
2 hours -
EPL: Isak scores at home again as Newcastle beat Arsenal
2 hours -
I’m proud that despite all the challenges, we have maintained Free SHS – Akufo Addo
6 hours -
Alan’s running mate, KOD says GRASP will revolutionize care for the Elderly in rural areas
6 hours -
Election 2024: Alan paints Accra yellow as the crowd marches through the capital with him
6 hours -
Vacant seats: Speaker has not done what would have led to greater peace – Kofi Bentil
6 hours -
Police on manhunt for Adabraka daylight robbers
6 hours -
Lordina Mahama presents medical supplies and equipment to Tishigu Health Center
6 hours