The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has emphasized the urgent need to aid the Italian island of Lampedusa, in light of its limited resources and its struggle to accommodate the large influx of migrants arriving in recent days.
Matthew Saltmarsh, the spokesperson for the UNHCR, as reported by “France 24” news channel, urged for the relocation of migrants who have reached Lampedusa off the island, citing “the resources and absorption capacity there are extremely limited.”
Saltmarsh mentioned that the migrants arriving on the island often suffer from shock and fatigue, requiring food, shelter, and medical care. He highlighted the difficulty in pinning down a single factor for the recent surge in migrant numbers.
Saltmarsh further remarked, “The burden of hosting cannot fall solely on frontline receiving countries, like Italy, where the newcomers first arrive… We believe this is an opportune time for other countries and regions to step up and support the Italians and the people of Lampedusa.”
Around seven thousand migrants arrived on the island’s shores over two days, prompting Italy to send out calls for assistance.
Authorities have also organized some transfers to the larger island of Sicily to alleviate the situation in Lampedusa. The UNHCR anticipates such measures to continue in the coming days.
Lampedusa, under regular circumstances, has a population slightly exceeding six thousand. However, the official capacity of the migrant reception center is about 400 people.
Lampedusa, an Italian island located in the Mediterranean Sea, has long been a hotspot for migrants aiming to reach Europe due to its proximity to North Africa. Over the years, the island has faced challenges related to the influx of migrants, often resulting in humanitarian crises.
The current situation is a testament to the larger migration issue faced by many European countries. It emphasizes the importance of international collaboration to address and manage these challenges in a manner that respects human rights and offers sustainable solutions.
