Security Council deplores maritime tragedy in the Mediterranean Sea

UN, 23 April 2016 – The United Nations Security Council has deplored the recent maritime tragedy in the Mediterranean Sea that resulted in up to 500 deaths when an overcrowded boat capsized en route from Libya to Europe, emphasizing the need for better coordination of efforts to deal with the smuggling of migrants.

In a press statement, the members of the Council expressed “grave concern” at the proliferation of, and endangerment of lives by, the smuggling of migrants in the Mediterranean Sea, including off the coast of Libya.

“The members of the Security Council expressed their concern at the implications for regional stability posed by transnational organized crime and illicit activities such as human trafficking and the smuggling of migrants and condemned and deplored the said acts which undermine further the process of stabilization of Libya and endanger the lives of people,” the statement said.

Extending its “deepest condolences” to all those affected by the tragedy, the Council underlined the need bring the perpetrators of the acts to justice.

The Council also called for the full implementation of resolution 2240 (2015), which is intended to disrupt the organized criminal enterprises engaged in migrant smuggling and prevent the loss of life...
  [un.org]
23/4/16