European Union 2023: 951 dead migrants in 6 months
In the last few days, chilling news appeared about deaths of migrants at the borders of the horror of the EU.
The NGO Walking Borders, that monitors shipwrecks and victims on the migration routes of Africa in Spain, posted a report on the situation of the first half of the year on these routes. they accounted for 951 dead, although more than 300 died only in june, with which the number of people killed in the Mediterranean Sea can multiply with the arrival of good weather. In 2022 had recorded a total of 2.392 victims throughout the year. The highest numbers of shipwrecks and deaths were recorded on the Canary Islands and Algerian routes.
Passivity, negligence and border repression
It is known that the boats used to cross the sea towards better living conditions are precarious. But the published report found that the increase in deaths is closely linked to the passivity in the actions of the states in the waters.
Despite knowing the exact location of the shipwrecks, on many occasions the authorities do not even activate the rescue mechanisms. Other times they come to the rescue, but late, with little means and "bad habits".
When the Kingdom of Morocco intervenes, "only" the authorities' contempt for human life no longer intervenes, but also the “bilateral migration control negotiations” with Spain. Obviously, they are not at the service of protecting life but rather preventing people from entering the EU, even if they drown in the attempt. We already know what happened in the “Melilla massacre” and the hundreds of people left to die in the Ionian Sea of Greece a few days ago.
Abuse in the face of life and death
The NGO also analyzes what happens to the people who save their lives and to the bodies of those who do not.. In the case of survivors, they denounce attacks, inattention, physical attacks and no psychosocial reception. And what happens to their bodies?? Since there is no protocol for the identification of dead people, They are buried in common graves.. Of course, "No public administration has assumed responsibilities that lead to a reparation of families".
two rescues, return and destination uncertain
Monday 10, two young Nigerians from 18 Y 22 years were found under the stern of the MSC Marta, in the port of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. They came from Togo and were on their way to Italy. The hole in which they stayed for more than eight days was so small that they could neither stand nor sit. They will apply the regulations on stowaways by which the shipping company must guard them and return them to Nigeria. other 78 people were rescued from a cayuco by the ship Guardamar Calliope and taken to the port of Arguineguín. They had left Senegal and had 15 days at sea. Who knows what they will do with them. It is known that another cayuco with 200 people set off from Kanfountine, south of Senegal, also does 15 days, but there is no news of its location.
For a great movement in defense of migrant rights
It is impossible not to point out the criminal role of the imperialist bloc of the European Union, who bears the historical responsibility of having plundered and oppressed Africa and leaves people fleeing wars to die at sea, repressions, of extreme poverty or hunger. For the authorities of the Block, black lives and migrant lives are worthless. This can only have one name: institutional racism.
We must punish those politically and materially responsible for the deaths and so many preventable tragedies. To achieve this, it is necessary to set up a great movement in defense of migrant rights and a world without borders instead of "Fortress Europe"., that is built according to capitalist needs. Socialism or barbarism is a steel dilemma that reaffirms its validity in the face of so much contempt for the lives of the poor.
