The humanitarian organization Doctors Without Borders has retrieved 11 bodies and saved numerous individuals off the coast of Libya while condemning the migration policies of both North African and European nations.
In a statement released on Friday, the group, also known as MSF, disclosed that their Geo Barents rescue vessel successfully recovered the bodies after a search operation lasting over nine hours. This operation was initiated following an alert from the German NGO Sea-Watch, which is also involved in rescuing refugees and migrants.
“While the cause of this tragedy remains unknown, it is evident that people will continue to risk dangerous journeys in a desperate bid for safety. Europe must establish safe and legal pathways for these individuals,” MSF emphasized in a social media post. “This tragic cycle must come to an end!”
🔴TRIGGER WARNING
Following two rescue missions earlier today, @MSF teams once again witnessed the grim consequences of Europe’s harsh migration policies and lack of assistance for those crossing the Mediterranean.
Regrettably, this time, 11 lives were lost‼️
— MSF Sea (@MSF_Sea) June 7, 2024
Sea-Watch expressed uncertainty regarding whether the deceased individuals were victims of a previously unreported shipwreck. They attempted to contact Libya’s coastguard to retrieve the bodies but received no response.
“Despite our plea for the bodies to be recovered, the so-called Libyan coastguard, funded by the EU, chose to ignore our request,” the organization stated.
Many individuals attempting to reach Europe from Africa use Libya as a starting point, with the Italian island of Lampedusa being the closest European destination. They embark on perilous journeys across the Mediterranean to escape conflict, poverty, and persecution.
Italy, aiming to halt the influx of migrants, has urged Libya and neighboring Tunisia to take more decisive action to prevent people from setting sail. Additionally, Italy has cracked down on rescue operations, claiming they incentivize migration to Europe, an allegation that…
Article from www.aljazeera.com