The International Organization for Migration (IOM) reported that 499 migrants were intercepted at sea and returned to Libya during the week of December 10 to December 16, 2024. This marks another alarming week in the ongoing migration crisis across the central Mediterranean, one of the deadliest routes in the world.
Since the start of 2024, 27,052 migrants have been intercepted and sent back to Libya, according to the IOM. Tragically, 1,532 migrants have lost their lives attempting to cross the Mediterranean, while 987 others remain missing. These figures reveal the immense dangers faced by migrants who embark on this treacherous journey in search of safety and opportunity.
The central Mediterranean remains a hotspot for irregular migration, as thousands of people—primarily from sub-Saharan Africa—attempt to reach Europe. Libya serves as a key departure point due to its proximity to southern Europe, but the conditions migrants face both at sea and upon their return to Libya are dire.
