The UN Refuge Agency (UNHCR) [official website] reported [press release] Tuesday that more than 2,500 people have died attempting to cross the Mediterranean and enter into Europe in 2016, marking an increase from the previous year. In the past week alone, it is estimated that 880 people died after their vessels either sank or capsized along the dangerous passage. According to UNHCR, around 1,855 refugees died in the crossing in the same period in 2015 and an estimated 203,981 have successfully made the journey. William Spindler, spokesperson for UNHCR reported [UN News Centre report] that “the odds of being among the dead are currently one in 81” and added that the current situation highlights the need for rescue operations and a continued push towards real and safe alternatives for people needing international protection.

The rights of refugee and migrant populations has emerged as one of the most significant humanitarian issues around the world. Last month several aid organizations urged [JURIST report] EU leaders to stop deportations of migrants from Greece to Turkey and to cease the detention of asylum seekers. Also last month Human Rights Watch (HRW) [advocacy website] reported [JURIST report] that the deportation of 66 people from the Greek island of Chios to Turkey was “riddled with an array of irregularities.” HRW maintains that this deportation is significant as it gives the EU cause for concern over Turkey’s respect for human rights. Also in April the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights called on [JURIST report] Turkey to focus on human rights in the wake of their anti-terrorism security measures. Earlier in April UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon urged [JURIST report] world leaders to accept more refugees and to combat the growing international anti-refugee sentiments. In addition, last month, an independent UN human rights expert encouraged EU leaders to remain steadfast [JURIST report] in their obligations to handle the recent influx of migrants to the EU and to avoid making Turkey the “gatekeeper.”