IOM: over 3,000 migrants died crossing Mediterranean this yearSeptember 29, 2014 - 22:08 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - More than 3,000 migrants have died crossing the Mediterranean this year, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) said. According to BBC News, in a report published on Monday, Sept 29, the IOM said the 3,072 deaths made Europe the most dangerous destination for "irregular" migrants. The organization said that some experts placed the toll three times as high. This year's total is more than double the previous peak in 2011, and exceeds last year's estimate over four times. Since January, 4,077 migrant deaths have occurred worldwide with 75% of fatalities happening in Europe. The IOM's 216-page report suggests that the high toll "likely reflects a dramatic increase in the number of migrants trying to reach Europe". Its findings come just weeks after one of the worst recorded wrecks, when a migrant boat carrying 500 passengers sank near Malta. Identifying those who die in such disasters is difficult. The IOM says few countries keep information on missing migrants or their deaths. William Lacy Swing, the IOM's chief said it was "time to engage the world to stop this violence against desperate migrants". It is believed that more than 40,000 migrants have died since 2000. Of the toll, 22,000 were trying to reach Europe. Top stories Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev arrived in Moscow on April 22 to hold talks with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". Partner news | Power of One Dram sums up two-year program with Teach for Armenia Idram Junior also joined the companies during the visit, bringing with it a fascinating intellectual game for children Moscow slams EU mission in Armenia for “provocative activity” The EU mission is doing more and more against Armenia’s neighbors Russia, Azerbaijan and Iran, Mikhail Galuzin said. Yerevan Mayor to travel to Paris on May 15-19 The official delegation headed by Yerevan Mayor Tigran Avinyan will travel to Paris from May 15 to 19. Armenia, India hold first defense consultations The meeting was attended by Indian Ambassador Nilakshi Saha Sinha and Defense Attaché Brigadier General Naveen Nijhawan. |