ROME: The bodies of seven migrants, including a small boy, were found during the latest rescue operations off Libya, a Maltese NGO and the Italian Coast Guard said Sunday.
“Imagine to carry an eight-year-old boy’s lifeless body into your house on Easter Sunday. I will never forget this day,” tweeted Chris Catrambone, founder of Maltese NGO Moas.
Dozens of Mediterranean rescue operations throughout the day spotted around 2,000 would-be migrants, according to an Italian Coast Guard estimate.
As weather conditions deteriorated, NGOs urged more vessels to head to the region, with their own already crammed with around 4,500 people picked up from unseaworthy vessels the previous day in 35 operations.
The fine weather going into the weekend had evidently sparked a spike in the number of people attempting the perilous crossing to Europe.
German NGO Jugend Rettet, which took part in the rescue operations on Saturday, said 3,000 people had been plucked to safety during a particularly busy day due to the fine spring weather in the Mediterranean.
Jugend Rettet spokeswoman Pauline Schmidt told AFP that a further 1,000 people remained to be rescued from inflatable dinghies and other craft, with the rescue ships reaching capacity.
Other, mainly non-governmental, boats were expected to arrive in the area to help the rescue operations, she said. "We have never had to deal with so many people at the same time."
Friday had already seen some 2,000 people rescued while the body of one young man was found, presumed asphyxiated, aboard one vessel bursting with people.
With arrivals showing no sign of abating, EU’s border control agency Frontex has accused donor-funded vessels of doing more harm than good by acting “like taxis” off Libya.
Italian prosecutors have suggested they may have links with traffickers — a charge fiercely rejected.
Distressing images of African migrants being plucked from heaving seas or the coffin-strewn aftermath of major sinkings have become a regular feature of television news bulletins since the crisis began spiralling out of control four years ago.
The International Organization of Migration says 666 people have been logged as dead or missing off the Libyan coast so far this year out of an estimated 27,000 who have tried to reach Italy from Libya.
Last year saw around 5,000 deaths.
Child among seven migrant bodies found off Libya
Child among seven migrant bodies found off Libya
Japan, Qatar reaffirm commitment to ongoing bilateral cooperation across multiple sectors The ministers acknowledged increasing collaboration in energy, economy, defense and international initiatives Minister MOTEGI further expressed appreciation for Qat
- The ministers acknowledged increasing collaboration in energy, economy, defense and international initiatives
- Minister MOTEGI further expressed appreciation for Qatar’s sustained investments in Japan
TOKYO: Japanese Foreign Minister MOTEGI Toshimitsu and Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani, Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Qatar, reaffirmed their commitment to ongoing bilateral cooperation across multiple sectors during the Third Japan-Qatar Strategic Dialogue in Doha on Tuesday.
According to the Foreign Ministry in Tokyo, the ministers acknowledged increasing collaboration in energy, the economy, defense, international initiatives, and cultural and academic exchanges.
Additionally, they expressed mutual support for their national teams’ participation in the upcoming FIFA World Cup.
During their 100-minute meeting, the ministers underscored the importance of liquefied natural gas in strengthening bilateral relations.
Minister MOTEGI conveyed appreciation for Qatar’s consistent energy supply, while Minister Mohammed reiterated Qatar’s commitment to ensuring stable energy provision to Japan.
Minister MOTEGI further expressed appreciation for Qatar’s sustained investments in Japan.
The ministers highlighted ongoing progress in defense cooperation, referencing the initiation of defense consultations in 2023, the first visit by a Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force vessel to Qatar in 12 years, and the inaugural visit by the Chief of the Joint Staff. They committed to further strengthening these exchanges.
The ministers agreed to broaden development assistance and humanitarian support by leveraging the respective strengths of both nations.
Qatar was the first country to confirm participation in the forthcoming GREEN×EXPO 2027 in Yokohama, for which Minister MOTEGI expressed gratitude. He also welcomed ongoing academic exchanges between universities and institutions.
During discussions regarding Gaza, Minister MOTEGI commended Qatar for its role in facilitating the ceasefire and the release of hostages. He stated that, following his recent visit to Israel and Palestine, Japan intends to actively contribute to peace and stability in the Middle East, including the reconstruction of Gaza.
Minister Mohammed welcomed Japan’s initiatives for regional stability and expressed a desire for continued bilateral cooperation.
The ministers also addressed the situation concerning Iran and their respective policies on North Korea, including nuclear and missile issues, abductions, and recent developments in East Asia. They agreed to maintain close cooperation on these matters, according to the Ministry, which did not provide further details.
