An urgent call to action
In recent days, new tragedies have once again cast a shadow of mourning over the Central Mediterranean. According to the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), as of 24 October, around 80 people have lost their lives off the coast of North Africa in incidents that were entirely preventable. The boats, which had departed from Tunisia and Libya, encountered great difficulties in their attempt to reach Europe.
UNHCR has conveyed its condolences to the families of the victims and thanked the Tunisian authorities for rescuing those who survived. However, the agency insists that these deaths could be prevented if there were more resources for search and rescue, as well as safe and legal routes for refugees fleeing war, persecution and extreme situations.
The figures are alarming: more than 1,600 people have died or disappeared this year on the Mediterranean and West African routes, following the 3,530 recorded last year. The Central Mediterranean route remains the deadliest in the world.
Among the most recent shipwrecks is a boat that set sail from Salakta (Tunisia) with 70 migrants and refugees, mainly from Cameroon, Ivory Coast and Guinea. It sank shortly after setting out. Thirty people survived, but the rest are presumed drowned.
Another boat from Zouara (Libya) also sank off the coast of Tunisia. It was carrying 72 people from Yemen, Bangladesh, Ghana, Pakistan, Sierra Leone, Gambia and Guinea. Only 32 survived. A third boat with 100 people on board—from Syria, Iraq, Egypt, Pakistan, and Bangladesh—was rescued after three days adrift.
The IOM (International Organisation for Migration) highlighted, in information collected by diariosocialista.net, that among the victims of these tragedies were 12 children under the age of five, confirming that more than 25,000 people have lost their lives on this route since 2014.
Yesterday, 28 October 2025, another boat sank, claiming the lives of 18 people.
Both United Nations agencies reiterate the urgency of coordinated international action to halt this ongoing loss of human life and improve protection throughout the migration journey.
A crisis that is repeated at other borders
Such tragedies are not unique to the Central Mediterranean. In September, another shipwreck in the English Channel shocked Europe, reminding us that migration routes have become deadly corridors for those who cannot find safe alternatives.
At Conexión CP, we will continue to raise our voices so that no one is forced to risk their life in search of protection. We reaffirm our commitment: migration cannot mean death. The international community must act urgently to guarantee the safety, dignity and human rights of those forced to flee, ensuring legal and humane routes.
Conexión CP Team
[Translated from Spanish]
29th October 2025
