More people are trying to cross the Mediterranean to seek a better life, but many do not make it. The UN has slammed policies by some states that seek to make the crossing harder.
The number of people who died while crossing the Mediterranean Sea to seek refuge in Europe has reached a level not seen since 2017, according to a report published by the United Nations on Wednesday.
The UN's International Organization for Migration (IOM) counted 441 deaths in the first three months of 2023, but warned that the real number was likely much higher.
"The persisting humanitarian crisis in the central Mediterranean is intolerable," said IOM chief Antonio Vitorino.
"With more than 20,000 deaths recorded on this route since 2014, I fear that these deaths have been normalized. States must respond," he added.
