Mediterranean death toll soars as 204,000 cross in first 5 months of 2016

Up to the end of May 2016 some 2,510 lives were lost in the Mediterranean by people attempting to reach Europe from North Africa, compared to 1,855 in the same period in 2015 and 57 in the first five months of 2014.

On a Mediterranean-wide basis, the odds of being among the dead are currently one in 81. The UNHCR said this highlighted the importance of rescue operations as part of the response to the movement of refugees and migrants in the Mediterranean, and the need for real, safer alternatives for people needing international protection.

ESO: Information Guide: European Migration Challenges http://www.europeansources.info/record/information-guide-european-migration-challenges/

ESO: Background information: Massive loss of life reported in latest Mediterranean tragedy http://www.europeansources.info/record/massive-loss-of-life-reported-in-latest-mediterranean-tragedy/

ESO: Background information: New refugee tragedies off the coast of Sicily http://www.europeansources.info/record/new-refugee-tragedies-off-the-coast-of-sicily/

EurActiv, 07.06.16: Refugee deaths in Mediterranean hit 10,000 http://www.euractiv.com/section/justice-home-affairs/news/refugeedeaths-in-mediterranean-hit-10000/

ESO: Background information: Commission announces New Migration Partnership Framework: reinforced cooperation with third countries to better manage migration http://www.europeansources.info/record/press-release-commission-announces-new-migration-partnership-framework-reinforced-cooperation-with-third-countries-to-better-manage-migration/

EurActiv, 10.06.16: Italy arrests two Ukrainians suspected of trafficking Syrians by boat http://www.euractiv.com/section/global-europe/news/italy-arrests-2-ukrainians-suspected-of-trafficking-syrians-by-boat/

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