(MENAFN- Emirates News Agency (WAM)) UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has said that he was "shocked and deeply saddened" after reports that nearly 700 migrants and refugees were feared drowned on a ship which capsized off the Libyan coast.
After the latest tragedy, Ban said in a statement released late on Sunday that "these are urgent reminders of the critical need for a robust search and rescue capacity in the Mediterranean."
He encouraged European Union member states to accelerate their ongoing efforts to comprehensively address the plight of those seeking refuge within their borders.
"The Mediterranean is the world's deadliest route used by asylum seekers and migrants," Ban said in his statement after the increased records of people being dead due to fleeing war and persecution and heading to Europe by boats.
At least 3,500 people died in 2014 and if today's figures are confirmed, they bring the number of those who have died so far in 2015 to some 1,600,"
the UN chief's press office said in its statement. Therefore, Ban urged for a "comprehensive and collective" international response.
The challenge concerns not only improved rescue at sea and access to protection, but also how to ensure the right to asylum of the growing number of people worldwide fleeing war who need refuge and safe haven, the statement added.
Expressing gratitude to the Government of Italy, Ban recognised the "heavy impact" the arrival of so many migrants has on Italy. The UN chief appealed to the international community for solidarity and burden-sharing in the face of this crisis, as he said, "The journeys are fraught with risks including discrimination, violence and exploitation."
Earlier on Sunday, the European Commission in a statement said it is currently consulting with the EU member states, European agencies and international organisations in preparation for a "new European migration strategy" which will be adopted by middle of next month.
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