UNHCR shocked at mass drowning of 220 immigrants in Libya
The U.N. refugee agency says survivors have reported that some 220 migrants drowned off the coast of Libya in recent days and is expressing shock at the mass drownings.
A statement by UNHCR released on Thursday said the migrants drowned in separate incidents earlier this week. The agency has also called for “urgent international action to strengthen rescue at sea efforts.
UNHCR says the latest fatalities bring the migrant death toll in central Mediterranean to over 1,000 so far this year.
Libya’s coast guard says it rescued over 760 migrants attempting the perilous trip to Europe over the past two days alone.
Libya has become a launch pad for those fleeing poverty and wars in Africa and the Middle East, often on unseaworthy vessels at the mercy of traffickers.
How to submit an Op-Ed: Libyan Express accepts opinion articles on a wide range of topics. Submissions may be sent to oped@libyanexpress.com. Please include ‘Op-Ed’ in the subject line.
- Chevron advances Libya return with new production-sharing deal - August 25, 2026
- Libya prepares $5bn tender to develop North Gialo field - August 08, 2026
- Mellitah nearly triples output from Abu Attifel well - August 01, 2026