The International Organization for Migration (IOM) reports that nearly 100 people have died or disappeared in the Central and Eastern Mediterranean since the beginning of 2024.
The toll revealed by IOM is over twice as high as the figure for the same period of 2023, the deadliest year for migrants at sea in Europe since 2016, according to a statement released on January 29.
Last week, IOM Director General Amy Pope attended the Italy-Africa Conference in Rome to discuss solutions aimed at protecting migrants.
“The Italy-Africa Conference is a critical opportunity to discuss unified and sustainable mechanisms to stop further needless loss of human life on treacherous routes, and to protect people on the move”, said Pope.
‘A comprehensive approach includes safe and regular pathways’
“Even one death is one too many. The latest record of deaths and disappearances is a stark reminder that a comprehensive approach that includes safe and regular pathways — a key strategic pillar for IOM — is the only solution that will benefit migrants and states alike”, she added.
Italy aims to strengthen its role as a bridge between Europe and Africa through a model of cooperation, development and equal partnership.
It presented its plan for a platform of shared ideas for discussion with partners during the one-day summit held on January 29, which was attended by over 20 heads of state and government, including Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni and the president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen.
Number of migrants reported dead or missing on the rise between 2021 and 2023
On Wednesday (January 24), authorities rescued a group of 62 migrants off Cape Greco, Cyprus, who left Lebanon on January 18. Most were hospitalized and described as severely ill, with several children in a critical condition.
One child died.
Seven bodies found ashore in Antayla, Turkey, are believed to belong to a group of 85 migrants missing since they set sail from Lebanon on December 11.
According to the IOM’s Missing Migrants Project, the annual number of migrant deaths and disappearances in all the Mediterranean jumped from 2,048 in 2021 to 2,411 in 2022 and to 3,041 by the end of 2023.
 reports that nearly 100 people have died or disappeared in the Central and Eastern Mediterranean since the beginning of 2024.){kind=link}