The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) reported a humanitarian tragedy off the Libyan coast of Khoms, confirming the deaths of several people, including children, following the sinking of two vessels carrying them. The Commission expressed its deep regret over the painful incident.
The UNHCR affirmed that many of the victims were fleeing Sudan, having escaped the civil war raging in their country after enduring appalling atrocities. The agency noted that these individuals were compelled to leave their homeland due to severe humanitarian conditions, lacking any safe alternatives. This tragedy stands as fresh evidence of the level of desperation that drives people to risk their lives on perilous sea journeys in search of safety.
In light of this disaster, the UNHCR issued an urgent appeal to the international community, demanding intensified efforts to bring an end to the conflict in Sudan. It also called for the expansion of safe and legal pathways, including accelerating the pace of evacuation programmes from Libya. The Commission stressed that these measures are essential to prevent refugees from facing the dangers of the sea, asserting the fundamental principle that “No human being should be forced to choose between death in their home country or drowning at sea.”