LWF calls for stronger protection of migrants and their rights

For immediate release 18 March 2024

The LWF is appalled and saddened by the death of more than 60 migrants on March 14 at the Mediterranean Sea. According to survivors, other migrants are injured and unaccounted for. The International Organization for Migration estimates that in 2024 the number of migrant deaths in the Mediterranean is 300.

The LWF calls for the protection of all migrants and the safeguarding of their human rights. The deaths, injury and suffering of migrants, be it in the Mediterranean Sea or at the southern border of the United States of America, or elsewhere must be addressed urgently, and mechanisms to enhance pathways for regular migration, strengthen protection, accountability and adherence to human rights and humanitarian principles must be at the core of migration policy and the implementation of the Global Compact for Migration.

All people should be treated with dignity and respect, and no one should be subjected to violence or discrimination. As a Christian faith-based organization, the LWF has at the core of its practice to express compassion and hospitality for everyone including migrants.

The LWF calls:

• For enhanced state and non-governmental mechanisms for search and rescue of migrants in the Mediterranean Sea, guided by human rights and humanitarian principles.
• On governments and relevant stakeholders to address the root causes of forced migration including global exclusion and economic inequalities.
• For strengthened cooperation between countries of origin, transit and destination under a human rights framework, including in addressing people smuggling.
• Governments and other duty bearers to ensure access to legal protection, remedies and accountability mechanisms to address any violation of migrants’ rights regardless of their status.
• Put an end to practices of pushbacks.

The LWF expresses its solidarity with the affected people and their families, and humanitarian actors that are serving and protecting migrants.