Refugees and migrants attempting to reach Europe via the Mediterranean Sea lost their lives at an alarming rate in 2018, as cuts in search and rescue operations reinforced its position as the world’s deadliest sea crossing. The latest ‘Desperate Journeys’ report, released today by UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, says six lives were lost on average every day. An estimated 2,275 died or went missing crossing the Mediterranean in 2018, despite a major drop in the number of arrivals reaching European shores. In total, 139,300 refugees and migrants arrived in Europe, the lowest number in five years.

UNHCR welcomes Malta disembarkation of Sea Watch and Sea Eye passengers, calls for better, predictable approach

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency is relieved that the remaining rescued persons on board the Italian coast guard vessel ‘Diciotti’ have now disembarked. UNHCR commends those countries and organisations that have shown solidarity and given tangible assistance. Established and predictable arrangements in the Mediterranean region for the disembarkation of people rescued at sea is strongly encouraged.

New UNHCR report shows the sea route to Greece has gained more traction, sea arrivals to Italy have reduced and migrants and refugees are using increasingly diversified journeys to reach Europe.

6,800 people rescued off the coasts of Libya in 54 different SAR events between 29 and 30 August.

How media framed Mediterranean tragedies: an analysis: https://t.co/Eyl3aHgn8z

843 persons relocated from Italy as of 11 July. What is the relocation programme? How does it work? Read more here: http://goo.gl/azbXQQ

18/04 shipwreck last year left at least 675 people dead, talian navy said as it concluded operations to recover the corpses

UASCs arriving from January to June 2016 rose to 10,524 compared to 4.410 during the same period in 2015

1 human in every 113 affected, forced displacement hits record high globally