The sinking of the boat off the Syrian coast late Thursday is tragic.
The boat reportedly set off for Europe on Tuesday from the port of Minieh, near the Lebanese city of Tripoli, with between 120 and 170 migrants and refugees, mostly Syrians, Lebanese and Palestinians, on board. Among the passengers were women, children, men and elderly people.
Search and rescue operations have confirmed the death of at least 70 people so far, and they have been found in Syrian waters. Initial reports indicate that 20 people have been transferred to Tartous city hospital, some of them in serious condition.
In Lebanon, the three agencies are following up on the situation with the relevant authorities and will provide support to the bereaved families. UNHCR in Syria is also providing some material support to the survivors in Tartous.
“This is yet another heartbreaking tragedy, and we extend our deepest condolences to all those affected,” said Filippo Grandi, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees. “We call on the international community to show full solidarity to help improve the conditions of the forcibly displaced and their host communities in the Middle East, especially in the countries neighboring Syria, where their situation is pushing them to the brink,” he added.
For his part, Antonio Vitorino, Director-General of the International Organization for Migration, said: “People seeking safety should not be forced to embark on perilous and often deadly migration journeys. We must work together to increase safe and legal pathways for regular migration, to help Minimizing loss of life and protecting the most vulnerable displaced persons.
UNRWA Commissioner-General Philip Lazzarini said: “It is a tragic accident. No one gets on the boats of death so simply. Some take these risky decisions and risk their lives in search of a dignified life.” “We must do more to provide a better future and address the state of despair in Lebanon and throughout the region, including among Palestinian refugees,” he added.
In the face of the rise in departures from the region by sea over the past months, the International Organization for Migration, UNHCR and UNRWA are calling on coastal states to redouble efforts to build their capacity to provide search and rescue services and work to ensure predictability in determining safe places to disembark.
However, it is critical that what is necessary to address the root causes of these movements, and for the international community to promote access to safer alternative pathways to stop people from resorting to dangerous journeys, in line with the principle of shared responsibility. More humanitarian and development support must also be provided to those displaced and host communities across the region to help stop their suffering and improve their conditions and livelihood opportunities.
Failure to do so will mean that refugees, asylum seekers, migrants and internally displaced persons will continue to embark on dangerous journeys in search of safety, protection and a better life.
for more information:
UNHCR
International Organization for Migration:
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