At least 60 migrants, including Pakistanis, are believed to have perished this week after two separate shipwrecks off Libya’s coast, according to IOM reports. These tragedies once again demonstrate the grave risks migrants must take when traversing the Central Mediterranean Route.
On June 12th, a vessel full of migrants sank near Tripoli port, according to IOM statistics; 21 were reported missing and only five survivors rescued (Apnews.com +15, Geo TV +15 and Daily Times +15 respectively).
Missing people include women, children and men from Eritrea, Pakistan, Egypt and Sudan (sources). At least eleven missing are women as well as children from Eritrea; their bodies were never recovered by authorities in these four nations (Source: geo.tv + 11 and dailytimes.com.pk +11 for dailytimes.com.pk).
Five Pakistanis, six Eritreans (three women and three children), four Egyptians, and two Sudanese men have been confirmed as dead following this second wreck off Tobruk. The shipwreck happened near Tobruk port.
On June 13 about 35 km west of Tobruk, one survivor reported 39 missing after their overcrowded vessel capsized; she told Newyorker.com of this event +10 (Geo.TV + English.aaj.TV).
“Luckily, one survivor was saved by fishermen; in subsequent days three bodies washed ashore near Tobruk on June 14 and 15, and efforts are currently underway to identify them (en.wikipedia.org +8
Aljazeera +8 English.aaj.tv =+8)”.
Rising Death Toll
Statistics reveal a grim reality this year: at least 743 migrants have lost their lives while trying to cross the Central Mediterranean this year alone – making this path the deadliest migration route worldwide and accounting for nearly three-quarters of Mediterranean deaths (sources: En.Wikipedia.Org + GeoTV + DailyTimes.Com.PK).
These figures highlight escalating dangers from smuggler negligence, limited rescue capacity and strict limits on humanitarian operations in Libya; according to dailytimes.com.pk +5 as reported on geo.tv +5 and arabnews com +5. They represent IOM’s Warning & Global Call to Action which urges immediate international response.
Othman Belbeisi, IOM’s regional director for Middle East and North Africa, made a somber plea:
“With many believed dead and entire families left devastated, IOM is once more calling on the international community to amplify search and rescue operations and provide safe disembarkation of survivors.
Brecorder.com/geo.tv + 9/8 [Arrival of Dawn on board ship], according to IOM.” / Brecorder/geo.tv (09 Oct 2010)/
+9 He warned that overcrowded boats and dangerous smuggling tactics were straining Libya’s already limited rescue systems and stressed the urgent need for international cooperation in dealing with this emergency situation.
Migrants Caught Up in Libya’s Shadow
These disasters occurred against a backdrop of Libya’s continuing descent into lawlessness, where migrants often face detention in militia camps where abuse, torture and forced labor are common – conditions made worse by porous borders and inadequate oversight (tribune.com.pk/article/1518830/8-15/830852/). For more details see: (tribune.com.pk/8151830/8-1584847 and geo.tv/815070861/wikipedia
migrants begin their journeys towards Europe via Italy, where arrivals have increased by 15 percent compared to last year (ArabNews.com/+4 @ DawnCom & DailyTimesCom.PK/ +4)
Pakistanis Account for Majority of Migrants to Europe
Pakistanians make up an increasing portion of migrants heading to Europe despite risks. Lahore’s Jamia Naeemia recently issued a ruling denouncing illegal migration on religious grounds – showing desperation driving citizens overseas, according to geo.tv’s latest reporting.
Pakistani authorities will likely come under increasing pressure to curb smuggling and offer safer migration alternatives.
What to Expect Search and rescue efforts: Demands are rising for coordinated naval and air missions to prevent future tragedies.
Enhance disembarkation procedures: An international delegation must ensure survivors are processed humanely, rather than simply being returned to dangerous circumstances in Libya.
Humanitarian organizations urge strengthening facilities and oversight at detention camps plagued by human rights abuses in Libya.
Migration Policy Implications: Pakistan must intensify crackdowns on smugglers and increase legal migration channels to minimize despair-fueled departures.
60 migrants, many from Pakistani origins, represent an emerging crisis: migration across the Mediterranean is fuelled by desperation; without immediate global intervention more lives will perish in its depths.