More than 113,000 undocumented migrants arrived in European territory in 2018 after crossing the Mediterranean Sea, while 2,242 died in the attempt, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) reported.
According to the IOM, from January to date, around 59,000 fewer people arrived in Europe than in 2017, but the number of deaths continues to be high.
Although in 2017 3,139 deaths were reported, the number of deaths is still very high and it is only an approximation, since it is often impossible to determine the exact number, the organization pointed out.
According to the IOM, the lives lost in the Mediterranean Sea account for 50 percent of the total number of refugees who died this year around the world (4,503).
On the other hand, the month with the more deaths in that region in 2018 was June, when 629 deaths were reported.
Given this situation, the IOM stressed the importance of respecting the Global Compact for Secure, Orderly and Regular Migration, ratified by 152 countries, but rejected by nations such as the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, the United States and Israel.
This initiative proposes measures for the protection of the undocumented people, including the joint fight against trafficking in persons and actions to avoid the separation of families. (Prensa Latina)