The Tragedy of the Mediterranean: Addressing the Global Refugee Crisis

The tragedy of the Mediterranean is a stark reminder of the global refugee crisis. On April 19th, approximately 750 people seeking refuge in Europe were packed onto a boat that left from eastern Libya. 120 kilometers from the Greek shore, the boat capsized. Questions remain over the role of the Greek coastguard and why those on board were not rescued sooner. This tragedy comes on the heels of a year in which more refugees died on Middle East and North African migration routes than at any other time in the past five years. The global community must ask itself: what is being done to ensure the safety of refugees in the Mediterranean? . In 2015, the European Union proposed a refugee relocation scheme that would spread the burden of asylum seekers more evenly across the union. The plan was never implemented, and instead, countries like Greece, Italy, and Malta have become the primary entry points for refugees into Europe.

Meanwhile, countries like Libya have become hubs for human smuggling. People smugglers take advantage of the chaos and insecurity in the country, as well as the lack of effective border control. As a result, refugees embark on treacherous journeys in search of safety and stability in Europe. Unfortunately, the situation is not expected to improve anytime soon. In recent years, Europe has adopted increasingly restrictive immigration policies and tightened its borders.

The closure of the so-called Balkan route in 2016 and the introduction of the EU-Turkey deal in 2017 has further limited the ability of refugees to reach Europe. As a result, more and more refugees are attempting the perilous journey across the Mediterranean. The world must come together to address this dire situation. The international community should focus on providing safe and legal pathways to Europe, instead of relying on dangerous routes and criminal networks. This could include the resettlement of refugees from overburdened countries, the implementation of the EU relocation scheme, and the adoption of a comprehensive migration policy that takes into account the needs of refugees.

Ultimately, the world must recognize that the refugee crisis is a global problem that requires a global solution. The tragedy of the Mediterranean is a stark reminder that we cannot turn a blind eye to the plight of refugees. It is our collective responsibility to ensure their safety and provide them with a secure future.