Tim za socijalno uključivanje i smanjenje siromaštva

On 23 April EU leaders decided to triple the funds intended for the supervision and rescue of migrants in the Mediterranean, as well as to initiate an operation against people smugglers. They will request approval from the United Nations for this operation, as was announced. The heads of states and governments of the EU, however, could not agree on the division of duties regarding the reception of refugees, deferring this decision.

Human rights organizations believe the EU leaders failed to use the opportunity to make true changes regarding the lives of people who, under difficult circumstances, make daily attempts to cross the Mediterranean. These organizations criticize the EU for not focusing more on migrant rescue, giving priority to migration prevention measures instead.

EU leaders agreed to prevent the inflow of illegal immigrants by “breaking up smuggling networks, bringing perpetrators before courts, seizing their property”, and “seizing and destroying ships before smugglers use them”. The joint statement by heads of states and governments of the EU notes this will be done by joint action of military-police and judicial bodies in the Union, “as well as increased intelligence and police cooperation with third countries”.

The International Organization for Migrations (IOM) stated that 1,750 people have died this year in attempts to reach Europe across the Mediterranean Sea. IOM fears the number of 3,279 dead during the entire year of 2014 will be surpassed within weeks, and that by the end of 2015 it could reach 30,000.

Taken from www.euractiv.rs