United Nations: horror for the migrant shipwreck off Greek coast

Dozen more deaths appeared in the Mediterranean after an overloaded boat capsized off the coast of Greece. Last reports contained at least 79 bodies of men, women and children and authorities estimate hundreds more potentially missing or dead. The UN Secretary General stressed “that everyone that's searching for a better life needs to find dignity and safety”.

This accident shows that States need to cooperate in order to create safe pathways for displaced people and asylum seekers. This would guarantee less accidents and would reduce the danger suffered by migrants during their journeys. 

According to the IOM, around 3,800 people have died on migration routes in the Middle East and North Africa in 2022. Since 2014 more that 26,000 people have died or gone missing within all the migration routes. 

The High Commissioner for Refugees pointed out that the accident could have been completely avoidable. The boat sank off the coastal city of Pylos on its way to Italy. Survivors were taken to the Greek town of kalamata and their reallocation is expected to a refugeeK camp outside Athens.

Last update

21/6/2023