Rédaction Africa Links 24 with M Abdo
Published on 2024-03-23 14:37:22
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) made a somber announcement on Friday revealing the discovery of a mass grave in Southwest Libya containing the bodies of at least 65 migrants. The circumstances surrounding their deaths and their nationalities remain unknown, but it is suspected that they perished while being smuggled through the harsh desert terrain, as reported by IOM.
A spokesperson for IOM expressed deep concern over the tragic incident, highlighting the impact on families who are left searching for answers about their missing loved ones. The spokesperson emphasized the need for swift and effective action to prevent further loss of life, stating that the rising death toll among migrants is a stark reminder of the dire conditions they face.
This latest heartbreaking discovery underscores the critical need to address the challenges posed by irregular migration, particularly the trafficking and smuggling of migrants. IOM stressed the importance of establishing legal pathways for migration to prevent such tragedies from occurring along migration routes.
IOM commended the Libyan authorities for launching an investigation into the deaths of the migrants and called on them, along with other UN partner agencies, to ensure the dignified recovery, identification, and repatriation of the victims’ remains. It is crucial to provide support and assistance to the families of the deceased migrants during this difficult time.
According to the data from the Missing Migrants Project, a total of 3,129 deaths and disappearances have been recorded in 2023 along the Mediterranean route, which is known as one of the deadliest migratory paths in the world. This figure does not include the victims discovered in the mass grave in Southwest Libya, indicating the ongoing and devastating toll of migration-related tragedies.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for a coordinated international response to address the root causes of irregular migration and provide safer alternatives for those seeking to move across borders. Without concrete actions to establish legal pathways for migration, vulnerable migrants will continue to risk their lives in perilous journeys, facing exploitation and danger along the way.
IOM reiterated its commitment to working with partner organizations and authorities to address the complex challenges of migration and ensure the safety and well-being of all migrants. The organization urged governments and policymakers to prioritize the protection of migrants and to implement effective measures to prevent further loss of life in the context of irregular migration.
Read the original article on Libya Update
