German NGO “SOS Humanity” reported the rescue of 126 migrants off the Libyan coast, including 30 minors and infants.
These migrants set sail from Libya two days ago, on a wooden boat that was sinking due to high waves.
The German organization highlighted that the migrants were experiencing hypothermia, in addition to dehydration and exhaustion.
Last week, the Tobruk branch of the Anti-Illegal Immigration Agency, in eastern Libya, announced the deportation of 7,706 migrants from the city during the year 2023.
According to statistics released by the branch, the migrants include 5,292 Sudanese, 1,045 Egyptians, 510 Pakistanis, 481 Chadians, 193 Bangladeshis, 104 Syrians, 70 Nigerians, as well as five Yemenis, four Ghanaians, three Indians, and individuals from Tunisia, Ethiopia, and Eritrea.
The Anti-Illegal branch highlighted that among the deported migrants, 491 individuals were found to be infected with hepatitis B, HIV/AIDS, and other contagious diseases.
Earlier this month, Italian Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi stated that cooperation with Libya and Tunisia has prevented the arrival of 121,000 migrants to Italy in 2023, including those whose bodies were recovered at sea.
During a hearing in the Schengen Agreement Implementation Committee, Piantedosi revealed that 550 smugglers were apprehended in 2022 and 2023, as reported by the Italian news agency “ANSA.”
The Italian minister pointed out that 157,000 migrants, including 17,000 unaccompanied minors, arrived in Italy last year, compared to 105,000 in 2022, with 14,000 of them being minors.
He stated, “There was a significant increase, but it was contained to less than 50% over the months.”
Piantedosi added, “These figures do not align with the government’s objectives, but there could have been higher numbers if we had not implemented the measures we adopted in recent months.”
He further explained that the reception system has withstood the unusual influx, currently hosting approximately 140,000 migrants.
Notably, Libya and Tunisia serve as the main departure points for migrants attempting to reach Europe via the Italian coastline from North Africa.