Rome (11/04/2019) The International Organisation for Migration (IOM), United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) and UNICEF express serious concern over the situation of the 62 migrants and refugees rescued on 3 April by the Alan Kurdi, operated by NGO Sea Eye, who have still not been guaranteed a safe port for disembarkation.

In the last three days two women have been disembarked from the ship – which is currently off the coast of Malta – including one who is pregnant and today had an epileptic fit; her husband is apparently still on board.

The weather conditions and the many days spent at sea are making the situation for the people on board difficult. Further, all the migrants and refugees who departed from Libya have already suffered serious human rights violations.

The Agencies reaffirm the absolute priority of saving lives at sea and guaranteeing safe and timely disembarkation.

The situation in Libya makes it absolutely necessary to establish disembarkation mechanisms that are predictable and in line with all international conventions, under which the North African country cannot be considered a safe port.