The UN International Organization for Migration (IOM) has issued a renewed call for enhanced safety measures along migration routes after a tragic shipwreck off the coast of Tunisia resulted in the deaths of 40 migrants. The incident, which occurred near Mahdia, saw nine women, 19 men, and 12 infants and preschoolers lose their lives, while Tunisian naval rescue ships managed to save another 30 individuals from West and Central Africa.
In a statement released on Thursday, the IOM emphasized the urgent need for protection-sensitive search and rescue operations and the expansion of safe migration pathways. “We extend our deepest condolences to the families of the victims,” the organization said, highlighting the ongoing dangers faced by migrants attempting to cross treacherous waters in search of safety and stability.
According to the IOM’s Missing Migrants Project, nearly 1,000 deaths and disappearances have been recorded in the Central Mediterranean this year alone. This reflects a grim trend, as the Mediterranean has historically been a site of tragedy for those fleeing war and violence. Previous incidents, including a similar shipwreck in 2021, have underscored the perils of such crossings.
The humanitarian crisis surrounding migration has drawn international attention. In 2024, the IOM reported that 8,938 individuals died on migration routes worldwide. Advocacy groups such as Human Rights Watch have condemned Tunisia’s lack of an effective asylum system, while local rights organizations have highlighted the severe conditions migrants face, including harsh climates and forced expulsions towards the Libyan border.
In a related statement, Pope Leo XIV criticized the “ever more inhuman” measures employed by various nations to prevent illegal immigration. He reiterated that countries have a moral obligation to provide refuge to those in need.
In contrast, Italian authorities have intensified their crackdown on migration, leading to the prosecution of aid workers supporting migrants. This has included agreements with Libya and other Mediterranean nations to intercept migrants at sea under the pretext of border protection. These arrangements have empowered local authorities to detain tens of thousands of individuals attempting to reach Europe.
The situation remains dire for many migrants from countries facing escalating crises, such as Congo and Sudan. As conditions worsen, rights advocates warn of looming humanitarian disasters. Many migrants undertake perilous journeys through unregulated routes, only to encounter strict European border protection measures that can lead to their return to countries like Tunisia and Libya, where they often face further challenges.
The IOM’s call for action comes as the international community grapples with the complexities of migration policy and the urgent need for humane treatment of those seeking better lives.
