Many migrants on their way to Europe drown in the sea

Tripoli, July 23 (RHC)-- At least 20 refugees are presumed to have drowned off the coast of Libya in the Mediterranean Sea Wednesday.  This week alone, the Libyan Coast Guard has intercepted seven vessels and apprehended hundreds of refugees, including children, as they attempted to reach Europe for safety. 

Amnesty International reports that in the first half of this year, over 7,000 refugees have been apprehended and forcibly returned to prison camps in Libya. 

Meanwhile, the number of refugees who have died while attempting to reach European soil by sea has more than doubled compared to the first six months of 2020. So far this year, over 1,100 people have perished.