The International Organization for Migration (IOM) announced on Tuesday that 592 migrants were intercepted off the Libyan coast between January 26 and February 1. Among them were 64 women and 33 children. They have all been returned to Libya, where dangers persist.
The IOM’s report also highlighted the tragic loss of life during these perilous crossings. Twenty-one bodies were recovered from the waters, and seven individuals remain missing. The Central Mediterranean route continues to be one of the deadliest migration paths. Since the start of the year, 2,398 migrants have been intercepted and sent back to Libya, resulting in 36 confirmed deaths.
This crisis dates back to the 2011 fall of Muammar Gaddafi, which led to political instability and violence in Libya. The nation has since become a major transit hub for migrants from sub-Saharan Africa. These migrants are driven by the hope of a better future in Europe despite the grave risks involved.
In 2024 alone, the IOM recorded 21,762 rescues and returns, 674 fatalities, and 1,015 missing persons. This data underscores the urgent need for international collaboration and humane solutions. The goal is to address the root causes of migration and the dangers faced by those on this treacherous journey.