A senior United Nations official has emphasized the growing urgency of not leaving Italy alone in managing the significant surge of migrants arriving at its shores. Rovini Menikdiwela, the head of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees’ (UNHCR) office in New York, made the plea during a meeting held at the International Security Council.
Menikdiwela pointed out that this year, approximately 186,000 individuals arrived by sea in Southern Europe, with nearly 130,000 of them landing solely in Italy, as reported by the Italian news agency ANSA on Friday.
She also highlighted the tragic toll of the journey: over 2,500 individuals either perished or went missing while attempting to cross the Mediterranean in 2023. Most of these tragic incidents occurred on the central Mediterranean route between North Africa and Italy.
The situation on the island of Lampedusa, located at Italy’s southernmost point and frequently targeted by migrant boats, is particularly alarming. Menikdiwela praised the Italian authorities for their commendable efforts in quickly alleviating congestion on the island.
However, she emphasized, “The UNHCR is present and acknowledges the efforts made by the Italian authorities to alleviate the overcrowding on the island swiftly, but Italy cannot be left alone in responding to the needs of the newcomers.”
Menikdiwela further added, “The Commission has repeatedly called for the establishment of a regionally agreed mechanism for disembarking and redistributing migrants arriving by sea, in the spirit of shared responsibility and solidarity with frontline countries.”
The migrant crisis has persisted as a significant issue for the European Union, with Italy often being at the forefront due to its geographic location, making it a primary entry point for many hoping for a better life in Europe. Lampedusa, Italy’s southernmost island, has become a symbolic hotspot in the crisis, given its proximity to North Africa.
As conflicts, persecution, and economic challenges continue to displace people globally, Europe grapples with providing humanitarian assistance while also maintaining security and societal stability. This latest call from the UN emphasizes the need for a united and collaborative approach in addressing the challenges posed by the ongoing migrant crisis.
