A Deadly Sea: Europe's Border Policies Claim More Lives

 A Deadly Sea: Europe's Border Policies Claim More Lives

By Tahir Ali Shah

The Mediterranean, once a symbol of connection and hope, has become a treacherous graveyard for thousands of Pakistanis seeking a better life. Since 2014, over 1,000 of our fellow citizens have perished attempting to cross this unforgiving sea, with countless others lost forever. This isn't just a statistic; it's a national tragedy that demands our attention.

Behind these chilling figures are stories of desperation and loss. Take Ali, a young man from Gujrat, who was lured by promises of a lucrative job in Europe. He sold his family's land, borrowed from relatives, and entrusted his fate to ruthless smugglers. His family never heard from him again, left to wonder if he was among the "dozens of unidentified migrants" reported lost at sea.

Or consider Fatima, a widow from Sialkot, driven by poverty and the desire to educate her children. She was promised a job in Italy, but her frail body couldn't withstand the journey. She died at sea, her dreams washed away by the waves.

These are not isolated cases. They represent the human cost of desperation, the faces behind the grim statistics. The journey itself is a nightmare: overcrowded boats, hunger, thirst, and exposure to the elements. The risk of capsizing, drowning, and being abandoned at sea is ever-present.

So, what drives this exodus? Economic hardship, unemployment, and hopelessness plague many regions of Pakistan. The allure of a better life in Europe, fueled by social media and tales of success, creates a powerful pull. Smugglers exploit this desperation, concealing the dangers and painting a rosy picture of easy riches.

This is a national crisis that demands our attention. We must act decisively to address the root causes of this exodus. We need to create economic opportunities for our youth, invest in education and vocational training, and combat the misinformation spread by smugglers. We must strengthen our border controls, prosecute human traffickers, and work with international partners to provide safe and legal pathways for those seeking a better life.

Let the tragic fate of those lost at sea serve as a reminder of the risks involved. Let us honor their memory by creating a Pakistan where our youth don't feel compelled to risk everything on a desperate gamble.

Worldwide, since 2014, more than 25,500 people have died or gone missing in the Mediterranean, with 2024 being one of the deadliest years on record. The central Mediterranean route has been particularly treacherous, claiming nearly 1,700 lives that year. Behind these staggering figures are countless stories of fathers, mothers, and children who risk everything for a chance at safety, only to meet a tragic end.

At the heart of this crisis is Europe's approach to border control. Instead of providing safe and legal pathways for migration, European governments have increasingly outsourced border control to countries like Libya, where armed militias operate under the guise of the Coast Guard. This approach has faced widespread criticism, yet it continues unabated.

For example, Italy has been funding and equipping Libyan forces to intercept migrants before they reach European waters. In 2024, the Libyan Coast Guard intercepted and returned over 21,000 people—a sharp increase from previous years. However, those sent back to Libya do not find safety. Instead, they face detention in overcrowded camps, where reports of torture, abuse, and forced labor are prevalent.

One of the most haunting incidents occurred in November 2017 when a boat carrying asylum seekers was intercepted by both a European rescue vessel and a Libyan Coast Guard ship. Terrified at the prospect of being taken back to Libya, many passengers threw themselves into the water, resulting in at least 20 drownings. This event has become a key piece of evidence in a landmark legal case against European governments, challenging the legality of outsourcing migration control to countries known for human rights abuses.

As the crisis deepens, humanitarian organizations face growing restrictions. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Italy has cracked down on rescue missions. In 2024, authorities detained the Geo Barents, a rescue vessel operated by Médecins Sans Frontières, after it saved 191 people from drowning. Officials accused the crew of failing to notify authorities in time—an accusation that human rights groups claim is part of a broader effort to obstruct life-saving missions.

The consequences of these policies are particularly devastating for children. In 2024, a harrowing story emerged of an 11-year-old girl from Sierra Leone who survived a shipwreck and spent three days drifting alone at sea. She had lost everyone she was traveling with but managed to hold onto a makeshift life ring. Her survival was nothing short of a miracle, but for thousands of others, the outcome is far more tragic.

The Mediterranean crisis is not just about migration; it is a test of Europe's commitment to human rights. The international community faces a choice: continue down a path that prioritizes border security over human lives or recognize that migration is a reality that requires humane and lawful solutions.

Creating safe and legal pathways for migration is a crucial step forward. When people have alternatives, they are less likely to risk their lives on dangerous journeys. Additionally, governments must address the root causes of displacement – conflict, poverty, and climate change – rather than simply trying to block migrants from reaching their shores.

Accountability is also critical. Governments should not be allowed to shift responsibility by outsourcing border control to countries with poor human rights records. International legal mechanisms must be strengthened to ensure that all states, whether directly or indirectly involved, are held accountable for their role in these deaths.

The Mediterranean was once a symbol of connection between civilizations, a sea that brought people together. Today, it has become a graveyard for thousands seeking nothing more than safety and dignity. The world cannot afford to look away any longer. Every life lost at sea is one too many, and no policy should come at the cost of human dignity. The time for action is now.