Over 30 migrants, including two children, are stranded on an oil rig off Tunisia, with reports of illness and one death. Sea-Watch and Alarm Phone indicate urgent need for rescue, while European governments continue to enforce strict migration policies with Tunisia and Libya.
Over thirty migrants, including two minors, have been stranded on an oil rig off the coast of Tunisia for three days, as reported by the charity Sea-Watch. A reconnaissance flight by the organization discovered the group on the Miskar oil platform, accompanied by an abandoned rubber dinghy nearby. The charity confirmed that the individuals have been seeking shelter from harsh weather conditions by huddling in blankets on the deck of the platform.
Alarm Phone, which provides assistance to sea migrants, communicated with the stranded individuals on Sunday, revealing distressing information that one person had passed away and others were experiencing illness. Alarm Phone stated, “They’ve not eaten for days,” emphasizing the urgent need for intervention. Sea-Watch disclosed that the migrants had initially departed from Libya and called on European authorities to expedite their rescue efforts.
European governments, attempting to mitigate irregular migration, have established agreements with Tunisia and Libya, pledging to intercept and return sea migrants. This approach has faced criticism from various human rights organizations, highlighting the ongoing debate surrounding refugee policies and humanitarian obligations.
The plight of over thirty stranded migrants off Tunisia illustrates the critical state of humanitarian crisis faced by individuals fleeing conflict and instability. As the situation worsens, the call for immediate rescue by charities highlights the urgency for intervention, while existing governmental policies face scrutiny for their effectiveness and ethical implications. The incident not only underscores the desperation of those seeking safety but also raises significant concerns regarding European migration agreements and their impact on human rights.
Original Source: www.sowetanlive.co.za
