Death toll surges as migrants try to reach Europe

PBS NewsHour6 minutes read

The migration crisis in the Mediterranean and Atlantic is causing a rise in drowning deaths, with activists blaming EU policies for the fatalities. Shipwreck survivors off the Libyan coast face violence and abuse, while thousands of Africans are attempting to reach Europe through the Atlantic, resulting in a significant increase in deaths in 2020 compared to 2019.

Insights

  • Activists blame European Union policies for the rising drowning deaths in the Mediterranean and Atlantic migration crisis, expressing doubt about the effectiveness of proposed reforms.
  • Survivors of shipwrecks off the Libyan coast endure physical injuries, mental health challenges, violence, and abuse, highlighting the dire conditions faced by migrants attempting to reach Europe.

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Recent questions

  • What is causing rising drowning deaths in the Mediterranean and Atlantic?

    Dangerous migration attempts lead to drownings.

  • Who is being blamed for the deaths in the Mediterranean and Atlantic?

    Activists blame European Union policies.

  • How are survivors of shipwrecks off the Libyan coast affected?

    Survivors face burns, mental health issues, violence, and abuse.

  • How are migrants attempting to reach Europe via the Atlantic Ocean?

    Thousands of Africans are attempting the journey.

  • How did Frontex contribute to the rescue of migrants in the Mediterranean?

    Frontex captured a capsize on video, leading to rescue.

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Summary

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Migration crisis in Mediterranean and Atlantic continues

  • Migration crisis in the Mediterranean and Atlantic continues, leading to rising drowning deaths.
  • Activists blame European Union policies for the deaths and express skepticism about the effectiveness of a proposed migration policy reform.
  • A dinghy carrying 100 people from Libya capsized, resulting in six deaths, including a six-month-old baby named Joseph.
  • Frontex, the European border agency, captured a similar capsize on video, leading to the rescue of 102 people by Libyan coast guards.
  • Survivors of shipwrecks off the Libyan coast suffer from burns and mental health issues, with many facing violence and abuse in Libya.
  • Thousands of Africans are now attempting to reach Europe via the Atlantic Ocean, with a significant increase in the number of deaths recorded in 2020 compared to 2019.
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