The Tunisian coast guard found 901 drowned migrants from January to July this year. It’s an unprecedented tragedy for the country. A record wave of migration and frequent boat sinking disasters have plagued North Africa. Most victims were from sub-Saharan Africa heading to Italian coasts.
Among the 901 bodies, 36 were Tunisians and 267 were foreign migrants. The identities of the rest remain unknown. The coast guard also rescued 12,000 migrants this year. The Mediterranean Sea has witnessed a rising death toll in recent years. In 2021, over 1,500 people died attempting the crossing, as per IOM.
The organization warns of potentially more deaths this year due to the dangerous journey.
Tunisia faces complex reasons for increased migration. Ongoing conflict in Libya hampers reaching Europe through that route. Economic crisis leads to high unemployment and poverty in Tunisia, driving people to seek opportunities in Europe.
The loss of these migrants is a heart-wrenching tragedy. They seek a better life, fleeing violence and poverty. Our efforts to ensure their safe passage must be intensified.
