UN reports sharp rise in fatal migrant shipwrecks in Greece
- The UNHCR reported that 17 migrants died in shipwrecks while trying to reach Greece in November 2024.
- So far this year, at least 45 migrant deaths have been recorded, with over 56,000 illegal entries since January.
- The rising number of migrant fatalities emphasizes the urgent need for safer alternatives for those fleeing conflict and persecution.
Greece has been grappling with a significant increase in migrant arrivals by sea, particularly from Turkey. Since January 1, 2024, around 56,000 migrants have illegally entered Greece, surpassing earlier government estimates for the total annual arrival. In November alone, 17 fatalities were reported due to recent shipwrecks, which include two tragic incidents near the island of Samos. These accidents underscore the dangerous conditions migrants face while attempting to escape conflict and persecution from their home countries. The UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), represented by Maria Clara Martin in Greece, has expressed deep concern over the rising death toll among migrants making perilous sea crossings. The escalation in migrant fatalities is associated with ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, which have led many to risk their lives in search of safety. Martin emphasized the urgent need for sustainable solutions to prevent these incidents, stating that the normalization of counting lives lost at sea is unacceptable. In recent weeks, the Greek coast guard has been actively engaging with migrant smuggling operations. A 17-year-old Turkish national was apprehended for reportedly landing several migrants on the island of Chios. Authorities reinforce the pressing nature of the migrant crisis and highlight broader implications, including the necessity for comprehensive policy changes to promote safer travel routes for vulnerable populations. The humanitarian situation continues to be pressing, with local governments and international organizations urging for coordinated responses to the influx of people fleeing dire conditions. The international community's role will be crucial in addressing the underlying issues driving migration, as well as providing immediate support to those currently facing hazardous journeys across the Mediterranean Sea. Without effective intervention and support, the trend of increasing fatalities and dangerous maritime crossings is likely to continue.