EU urged to take measures to save lives at sea

IRC says states must shift their focus from deterring people from reaching Europe

NEW YORK:

Amid increasing pressure from Pakistan for investigation into last month’s shipwreck off the Greek coast, the International Rescue Committee (IRC) demanded of the continental bloc to take urgent measures to save lives.

The New York-based humanitarian organisation also called on the EU to ensure a “full, transparent” investigation into the tragedy, in which hundreds of Pakistani migrants drowned in the Ionian Sea.

In a statement on Saturday, the IRC regretted that so far, there had been no moves to launch such an investigation into the shipwreck – one of the deadliest on record in the Mediterranean Sea despite calls from the EU parliamentarians.

”The EU and its states must shift their focus from deterring people from reaching Europe, to safeguarding them along their journeys,” the IRC said. “This includes strengthening search and rescue … and upholding the legal right.”

The IRC stressed the need for the EU and its member states to urgently expand safe, regular routes for people on the move, including committing to resettle at least 44,000 refugees in 2024.

Earlier this week, Pakistan stepped up pressure at the United Nations for the investigation into huge loss of lives, amid reports that the Greek coastguards were slow to respond to the distress calls from the doomed ship.

”Mediterranean Sea crossings have become increasingly treacherous,” Ambassador Aamir Khan, deputy permanent representative of Pakistan to the UN, told a UN Security Council’s informal meeting.

Addressing the meeting on ‘Refugees and Asylum Seekers Crossing Borders on Land and At Sea: New Wave of Crisis’, Aamir underscored the need for developing mechanisms for people in distress at sea.

”As responsible members of international community, it is incumbent upon us all to ensure the safety and security of migrants, refugees and asylum seekers,” the Pakistani envoy said.

He also stressed the need for upholding international law, including maritime law, and enforcing the prompt rescue of individuals in distress at sea, regardless of their nationality or circumstances.

“We must undertake all efforts including by developing transparent, safe and predictable disembarkation mechanisms for people in distress at sea, while complying with international obligations and without obstructing humanitarian efforts.”

The IRC said, “We’re concerned that disasters like this horrific shipwreck are becoming increasingly normalised. In the month since this disaster, there have been at least 22 other incidents in the Central Mediterranean.

“At the same time, in the absence of internal agreement on how to better share responsibility for new arrivals, European leaders are pursuing new migration agreements with non-EU countries.

“These deals are disproportionately focused on deterring refugees and other migrants from Europe, rather than supporting vulnerable people on the move and addressing the root causes behind their displacement.” APP