
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) on Friday called for a collective and comprehensive response to last week's Lampedusa boat tragedy to avoid further disasters. UNHCR spokesperson Adrian Edwards said 311 bodies had been recovered following the accident. There is still no final figure for the total number of victims who died, as the UN refugee agency estimated that bodies of between 50 and 70 people have yet to be found. Edwards said only a collective and comprehensive response to the Lampedusa disaster that takes into consideration the situation in countries from which people flee and along asylum routes, can reduce the risk to lives. UNHCR welcomed the statements and actions this week by the European Commission and some European states on the need to prevent such tragedies in the future, and also welcomed the statement made earlier this week by European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso on the need for measures including strengthened capacity for rescue at sea and better surveillance to track boats. The agency highlighted the importance of mitigating the root causes of flight in refugee producing countries, and more information to be made available about the hazards of irregular sea movements to Europe. Edwards also urged for better gathering and sharing of information about the routes and means that people are taking in flight, as well as improved rescue at sea detection and response and better care arrangements on arrival after their disembarkation.
GMT 15:34 2018 Friday ,14 December
Moscow ready for Putin-Trump meetingGMT 13:40 2018 Friday ,14 December
Britain and EU should prepare for second Brexit referendumGMT 11:43 2018 Friday ,14 December
Kosovo to build an army amid tensions with SerbiaGMT 11:52 2018 Thursday ,13 December
Britain's May to appeal to EU for help to salvage Brexit dealGMT 10:28 2018 Wednesday ,12 December
Huawei Executive Gets Bail In Case Rattling China TiesGMT 09:01 2018 Tuesday ,11 December
US marines missing after aircraft collision off Japan confirmed deadGMT 08:55 2018 Monday ,10 December
Top EU court to issue decision on reversal of BrexitGMT 08:37 2018 Monday ,10 December
Peruvians vote for anti-corruption reforms
Maintained and developed by Arabs Today Group SAL.
All rights reserved to Arab Today Media Group 2025 ©
Maintained and developed by Arabs Today Group SAL.
All rights reserved to Arab Today Media Group 2025 ©
Send your comments
Your comment as a visitor