UN: The Mediterranean Has Claimed Over 2,500 Migrants This Year

More than 2,500 migrants have died or gone missing while attempting to cross the Mediterranean to Europe since the beginning of the year, according to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. Rovin Menikdiwela, Director of the UNHCR office in New York, stated, "As of September 24, more than 2,500 individuals have been recorded as either dead or missing in 2023. This figure represents a two-thirds increase compared to 1,680 people during the same period in 2022." She emphasized that "lives are also being lost on land away from public view," pointing out that "the journey from West or East Africa and the Horn of Africa to Libya and launching points along the coast remains one of the most dangerous journeys in the world." She added, "Refugees and migrants traveling through land routes from sub-Saharan Africa face the risk of death and serious human rights violations at every step."