Mediterranean migrants: EU rescue policy criticised

Report of comments made by Peter Sutherland, the UN special envoy for migration, and Vincent Cochetel of the UN refugee agency on the 12 November 2014. They criticised Operation Triton, the EU's new policy towards migrants trying to cross the Mediterranean from Africa to Europe. In particular they criticised Member States, especially the United Kingdom, for refusing to support the mission.

News sources reported on the 23 November 2014 that a total of 796 people were rescued from boats in distress in the Mediterranean in the previous 48 hours, Italian and Libyan officials had said, as unprecedented numbers of would be immigrants headed for Italy's shores from North Africa.

In a speech to the European Parliament in Strasbourg on the 25 November Pope Francis said that 'There needs to be a united response to the question of migration. We cannot allow the Mediterranean to become a vast cemetery'.

• Primary Source

ESO: Background information: With Italy’s rescue operation for migrants in the Mediterranean now over, it is vital that Frontex is given greater support from EU governments http://www.europeansources.info/record/with-italys-rescue-operation-for-migrants-in-the-mediterranean-now-over-it-is-vital-that-frontex-is-given-greater-support-from-eu-governments/

ESO: Background information: Commissioner Malmstrom welcomes the launch of the Triton operation http://www.europeansources.info/record/statement-commissioner-malmstrom-welcomes-the-launch-of-the-triton-operation/

UN: Population Division: International Migration: Peter Sutherland http://esa.un.org/unmigration/mrsutherland.htm

Deutsche Welle, 13.11.14: 'Triton' sets out to rescue refugees http://dw.de/p/1DmAL

Deutsche Welle, 23.11.14: Italy rescues nearly 800 migrants from sea over 72 hours http://dw.de/p/1DrsK

The Local.it, 23.11.14: Nearly 800 migrants rescued off Italy http://www.thelocal.it/20141123/nearly-800-migrants-rescued-off-italy

EurActiv, 25.11.14: Stop Mediterranean becoming vast migrant cemetery, Pope tells Europe http://www.euractiv.com/sections/med-south/stop-mediterranean-becoming-vast-migrant-cemetery-pope-tells-europe-310323

---