File image/RHC

United Nations, Aug 11 (RHC) The increase in the number of missing persons and loss of human lives due to shipwrecks in the Mediterranean today puts the spotlight on the dangers of migration for United Nations (UN) agencies.

More than 1,800 people have lost their lives so far this year or gone missing along the Central Mediterranean, one of the world's busiest and most dangerous migration routes according to the International Organization for Migration, the UN Refugee Agency and the UN Children's Fund.

In this context, the entities are reinforcing their presence in Lampedusa, Italy, to support the authorities during the disembarkation and transfer of migrants.

However, the three UN agencies urged states to increase resources to effectively fulfill their responsibilities.

They also called for the creation of safe and regular migration and asylum channels in the European Union.

The alert comes after a merchant ship rescued a 13-year-old unaccompanied child, a woman and two men from Lampedusa last Friday 4.

The four were sheltered by the Italian Coast Guard but reported that 41 people are still missing, including three children.

The iron barge reportedly departed from Sfax, Tunisia and capsized during navigation.

Agencies noted that weather conditions make iron barge crossings particularly dangerous for navigation. (Source: PL)