Amnesty International: Increase in Refugee Deaths in the Mediterranean Linked to EU Policies

Amnesty International states that the rise in refugee deaths in the Mediterranean and the "horrific abuse" of thousands of refugees in detention centers in Libya is clearly related to the "failed policies" of the European Union. John Dalhuisen, the director of Amnesty International's Europe section, said: "EU ministers have shamelessly prioritized hasty agreements with Libya instead of taking action to save lives and provide refuge... in a futile attempt to prevent refugees and migrants from reaching Italy." This Amnesty official emphasized that EU countries are no longer focused on search and rescue strategies at sea, resulting in thousands drowning and thousands of women, men, and children being trapped in Libyan detention centers and suffering horrific abuse. In its statement, Amnesty International noted that in April 2015, due to decisions made by European leaders, the number of victims at sea significantly decreased. However, this policy did not last long, and the EU instead focused on traffickers and preventing refugees from boarding boats on the shores of Libya. Amnesty International has accused the EU of tripling the number of victims at sea as a result of this policy. According to this organization, more than two thousand people have drowned in the Mediterranean since January, and instead of providing assistance to refugees, the EU is considering strengthening the Libyan Coast Guard. The statement adds that the Libyan Coast Guard lacks the necessary standards and measures to manage this situation. Amnesty International, citing a UN report, reminded that in some cases, the Libyan Coast Guard is responsible for sinking refugee boats. In 2015, more than 153,000 people reached the shores of Italy. This number rose to 181,000 in 2016. Now, in mid-2017, more than 73,000 people have reached the shores of Italy, showing a 14% increase compared to the same period last year. In related news, France warns: hundreds of thousands of migrants in Libya want to come to Europe; "hundreds" of illegal migrants have drowned in the Mediterranean waters; Italy has rescued dozens of refugees from the Mediterranean waters for two consecutive days; at least 24 refugees have died in migrant detention centers in Malta; the EU is taking legal action against three of its members for failing to accept refugees; the UN reports that over 65 million people worldwide have been displaced; the international migration outlook and statistics on Iranians; the UN states that half a million Syrian refugees have returned to their homes.