EU wants to take action after another massive migration incident
Late Thursday night, Italian coastguards rescued around 700 people migrating to the island of Lampedusa, a common destination for African refugees. Leaders became aware of the incident at the same time that the European Union was convening in Brussels, Belgium to discuss various issues including migration. After the October 3rd shipwreck, when 300 migrants died off the coast of Lampedusa, European officials saw a dire need for change.
EU leaders quickly released a statement promising to take action. “Based on the imperative of prevention and protection and guided by the principle of solidarity and fair sharing of responsibility, determined action should be taken in order to prevent the loss of lives at sea and to avoid that such human tragedies happen again,” it said.
The EU leaders also said that communication with the countries from which the migrants are coming would be essential, and contact with the U.N. refugee agency would be beneficial as well. They also said it would be necessary for “the fight against trafficking and smuggling of human beings to be stepped up” in all countries. For the time being, the European Union will establish a border surveillance system and Mediterranean task force.
