UNHCR, Central Mediterranean, there was a 29% drop in arrivals in October compared to the previous month

ROMA – Approximately 5,500 people landed on the Italian coasts in October, which represents a decrease of approximately 29% compared to the previous month (7,685). We learn this from a note released today byUNHCRthe UN refugee agency. Between January and August the arrivals were, respectively: 2,258 (Jan.), 2,301 (Feb.), 6,857 (Mar.), 4,721 (Apr.), 4,976 (May.), 4,902 (June.), 7,465 (Jul. .), 8,526 (Aug.). The people who arrived on the Italian coast in October left from Libya, Tunisia, Türkiye and Algeria.

Libya was the first country of departure. With approximately 65% ​​of all arrivals by sea in Italy. Around 85% of the people who arrived in October landed on Lampedusa. Other landing ports include Crotone, Roccella Ionica, Pozzallo, Porto Empedocle, Lampione, Ravenna, Marsala, Salerno, Augusta, Bari and Carloforte. Since the beginning of the year, the prevailing nationalities of origin have been: Bangladesh (20%), Syria (19 %), Tunisia (13%), Egypt (7%), Guinea (6%), Pakistan (4%), Eritrea (3%), Sudan (3%), Mali (3%) and Gambia (2%) . In October, the lifeless body of a Syrian man, who probably died due to illness, was recovered on board a boat leaving from Tripoli.

The work of the UN agency in the places where migrants disembark. UNHCR is present in the disembarkation sites where it continues to support the Italian authorities with dedicated teams, in collaboration with national and European agencies and other partners, to provide information to new arrivals and for prompt identification and timely care of minors and the most vulnerable people to specialized services and care.

The appeal to strengthen search and rescue mechanisms. UNHCR continues to urge States to strengthen resources and capacities to effectively fulfill their responsibilities. In particular, it renews its call for collaboration to strengthen search and rescue mechanisms at sea and to promote greater access to safe and regular routes into the European Union for people seeking international protection.