ROME, October 4, 2013 – “The loss of life in the waters off Lampedusa underscores the tragic globalization of human misery.” IDLO Director-General Irene Khan said as Italy observed a day of mourning.
“My deepest sympathies go out to the victims’ families and close ones. For millions around the world, migration offers the only hope of escaping grinding poverty and violence. But migrants are some of the world’s most vulnerable people, subject to exploitation, abuse, and fatal accidents of the kind we have just witnessed. The Lampedusa tragedy only makes it more essential to promote a global culture of justice and development,” Ms. Khan added.
“To the Italian authorities, both national and local, I express my respect for their humanity and sense of urgency in bringing the drama of migration to the world’s attention. And to the Italian rescue services, my sincere admiration for the harrowing work they are conducting in rough seas,” DG Khan concluded.