In a desperate search for a better life, more than 3,000 migrants have died in the past year trying to cross the Mediterranean Sea.
The neighboring countries of Syria and Iraq already hosting 3 million refugees carry the brunt of the refugee crisis in the Middle East.
According to Christian Today, Amnesty spokesman Nicolas Beger said: "As the EU builds its walls higher and higher, migrants and refugees are increasingly taking to the Mediterranean waters in a desperate bid to reach safety and sanctuary in Europe. Tragically they are increasingly paying the highest cost, losing their lives at sea."
The Churches’ Commission for Migrants in Europe is calling on churches, governments, European institutions and people across Europe for a commitment to prevent such catastrophes.
“Facing these challenges requires renewed commitment to share the responsibility to protect and to ensure legal and secure access to Europe for those in need of protection,” CCME General Secretary Doris Peschke stated.
CCME requests the extension of operation Mare Nostrum to search and rescue persons in distress at sea and that the EU Member States support such action.
Operated by the Italian government, operation Mare Nostrum has rescued 90,000 persons in distress at sea during the past year.
Publication date: October 9, 2014
