Four shipwrecks in the Mediterranean Sea in the space of three recent days have claimed the lives of over 110 people attempting to flee poverty and conflict in their homelands. The most recent tragedy that we know of, at least 70 bodies were washed up on a beach in western Libya.
According to charities that scour the deadly waters, people smugglers, taking advantage of mild autumn weather, have sent hundreds of migrants to sea in the last week. The majority of the journeys have ended in tragedy.
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) reports that since the beginning of 2020, almost 600 people have officially died in the central Mediterranean, but says the real number is estimated to be much higher. At least 20,000 people have died in those waters since 2014. Unfortunately, Libya, home for many of these refugees is not seen a safe port for return and reiterates its call on the international community to take urgent and concrete action to end the cycle of return and exploitation.
To what decisive action are we called to take? How might we band together with others to raise awareness of this injustice, or our voices to advocate for support for the millions seeking safety and refuge? In what specific ways will we bring our awareness to prayer at this time?