'Alarmingly high' risk for migrants of dying on journey to Europe: UN

Geneva, Aug 24 (IANS/AKI) Despite a drop in the number of migrants who reached Europe in January to June from the same period of 2016, the chances of dying on the journey remain "alarmingly high", especially on the Mediterranean boat journey to Italy, the United Nations said on Thursday.

A 94 percent fall in crossings from Turkey to Greece accounted for the sharp fall in Mediterranean crossings from January to June compared with the same period last year, according to a new UN refugee agency report.

But the number of people making the treacherous boat journey from North Africa to Italy through the end of June (83,752) was the same as last year and the risk of dying during the crossing was 1 in 39, according to UNHCR

A total 2,253 people died or went missing at sea over the period and at least 40 died on overland routes at or near Europe's borders during journeys organised by ruthless people trafficking gangs, UNHCR said.

Many of the migrants and refugees who have reached Italy from Libya have survived dangerous desert crossings and abuse that include sexual violence, torture, and abductions for ransom, according to the UNHCR report.

"Violence and abuse along the journey, most notably in Libya, are rife," UNHCR said.

The UN agency criticised moves to stem the migrant influx to Europe and to detain asylum-seekers in camps in lawless Libya while their claims are assessed.

"Taking measures to reduce the number of refugees and migrants arriving in Europe, without at the same time stepping up peace-making, development, and safe pathways is morally unacceptable," said UNHCR chief Filippo Grandi.

"We can't afford to ignore abuses clearly taking place simply because they happen out of our sight," he said.

--IANS/AKI

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