Refugees Die More on Land Than at Sea
According to the Supreme Council on Migration and Refugees, the number of people who die in the African desert is twice that of those who drown at sea. Many refugees die before reaching the shores of North Africa.
The Supreme Council on Migration and Refugee Affairs believes that the number of refugees who die on land is greater than those who drown in the Mediterranean Sea while trying to reach Europe.
An official of this refugee rights advocacy foundation told the German website “Welt am Sonntag”: “The situation is very tragic in that most refugees who travel from distant lands toward the Mediterranean Sea die in the desert during their journey before reaching the shores of North Africa.”
Vincent Cochemé, Special Envoy of the Refugee Council, criticizes the fact that a large portion of the refugee and displacement tragedy remains hidden from public view.
Gerd Müller, Federal Development Minister of Germany, says: “The path that refugees take to reach Europe is extremely dangerous.” He adds: “We must create such prospects for them in their own countries so they do not resort to this dangerous journey out of desperation. We must first and foremost provide them with education and employment.”
Shocking Figures
According to a report by a refugee support foundation, more than one thousand people lost their lives while crossing the Mediterranean through October of this year.
In 2018, approximately 2,277 people drowned or went missing in the Mediterranean.
According to estimates by international organizations, between 2014 and the end of October 2019, more than 19,000 people lost their lives in the Mediterranean Sea, of which 4,463 were from North Africa.
However, based on credible reports, it can be said that many young refugees who leave their homeland in hopes of reaching Europe die in the African desert and before reaching the Mediterranean shores.
According to reports, the causes of death of refugees before reaching the shores of North Africa are: road accidents, death from hunger and thirst, violent conflicts, and disease.
Source: DW
