The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) regret the tragic accident that occurred last night off the coast of Tripoli, after a boat carrying more than 84 people sank, 45 of whom have been rescued so far, and the death of six people, including a child, has been confirmed. 40 days, while many are still missing, in addition to the passengers, children, women, men and the elderly, and the nationalities have not been confirmed yet.
“UNHCR and the organization are following developments with the relevant authorities to support the survivors of this tragic incident and the families of the victims. The two organizations continue to work with refugee, migrant and host communities to educate individuals about the dangers of irregular journeys,” she said in a statement.
UNHCR Representative in Lebanon Ayaki Ito pointed out that “this tragic incident highlights the shocking dangers to which many are resorting out of desperation. The crash and sinking of boats, and the tragic deaths and suffering they cause can be avoided, by mobilizing continued international support to help Lebanon, especially with Deteriorating living conditions for refugees and Lebanese alike.
For his part, the organization’s president in Lebanon, Matteo Luciano, said: “The economic crisis in Lebanon has caused one of the largest waves of migration in the country’s history. The increasingly desperate economic conditions are pushing an increasing number of people in Lebanon to leave in unsafe ways. There is an urgent need for safe alternatives. and legal irregular migration, and to support livelihoods and improve access to services in at-risk communities.”
UNHCR and the organization called for “the safe disembarkation of people stranded at sea and respect for the principle of non-refoulement. Individuals rescued at sea or returned to Lebanon will receive medical and psychological support and emergency assistance.” They called for “the continued solidarity of the international community to facilitate the conditions of the host community as well as the refugees and migrants hosted in Lebanon.”