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The Journal
a day ago
- Politics
- The Journal
FactFind: What happened when Mairead McGuinness voted against EU refugee rescue missions in 2019?
A PRESIDENTIAL RACE always brings up political choices from candidates' pasts, and Fine Gael's Mairead McGuinness, who announced her candidacy this week, is no exception. McGuinness' 2019 vote against an EU Parliament resolution to resume search and rescue efforts for shipwrecked refugees trying to cross the Mediterranean Sea is one of the choices that's likely to come up during the campaign. It was a non-binding motion , with no costs or legislation attached to it, but its proponents had hoped it would put pressure on the European Commission and member states to do more to save people trying to cross the Mediterranean. Its rejection was met with outrage among the public, civil society organisations and those MEPs who had voted for it. The vote In October 2019, MEPs narrowly voted down the proposal to provide vessels for more search and rescue operations in the Mediterranean. At the time, Europe had been grappling with a political crisis over how to handle large numbers of people fleeing the Middle East and the African continent. There were 1,885 people reported dead or missing in the Mediterranean in 2019, according to the Missing Migrants Project run by the UN's International Organisation for Migration. The EU had until then carried out a number of different operations that aimed to prevent people seeking refuge in Europe from drowning, including operations Sophia and Triton . But a new conservative government in Italy and mounting anti-immigrant sentiment in Europe meant the issue became one of political, rather than purely humanitarian, concern. Italy and Greece had been receiving the majority of refugees, which led to friction among the member states over how those people would be housed and where. That was the political context in which Fine Gael's four MEPs, including McGuinness, voted against the resolution alongside their European People's Party (EPP) colleagues in the parliament. The vote came after an EU-wide search, rescue and anti-human-trafficking operation had come to an end. It also took place on the same day that 39 Vietnamese people were found dead in the back of a lorry in Essex, southeast England – something that MEPs later suggested emotionally charged the debate on Europe's search and rescue missions. The failed resolution had called on EU member states to 'enhance proactive search and rescue operations by providing sufficient vessels and equipment specifically dedicated to search and rescue operations and personnel, along the routes where they can make an effective contribution to the preservation of lives'. It also called for member states 'to step up their efforts in support of search and rescue operations in the Mediterranean'. McGuinness and her fellow Fine Gael MEPs – Maria Walsh, Sean Kelly and Frances Fitzgerald – faced heavy criticism from opposition politicians after the resolution fell just two votes short of being passed. Fellow Irish MEPs – Green Party members Ciaran Cuffe and Grace O Sullivan, Sinn Féin's Martina Anderson and Matt Carthy, and Independents Luke 'Ming' Flanagan and Mick Wallace – all voted in favour of the resolution. Advertisement No votes were recorded for Independent Clare Daly, DUP MEP Dianne Dodds, the Alliance Party's Naomi Long, or Fianna Fáil's Billy Kelleher. The vote marked a shift in EU policy towards asylum seekers. The bloc has since moved away from search and rescue operations and has increasingly treated irregular immigration as a security issue, striking controversial deals with third countries to prevent people from making the crossing from the Middle East and North Africa. Criticism The move to halt search and rescue options was widely condemned by NGOs, as well as opposition politicians. 'Rescuing people from drowning is just that: rescuing people from drowning. There is no nuance to it or for and against,' the Irish Refugee Council said following the vote. At the time, Sinn Féin's Marina Anderson said it was 'a matter of deep shame that four Fine Gael MEPs actively voted to maintain a 'fortress Europe' status quo that has seen thousands of men, women and children drown simply for seeking sanctuary. 'While Fine Gael wax lyrical about the 'four freedoms' of the EU, including the freedom of movement, they are ready to side with their right-wing EU colleagues to ensure these values don't extend to those fleeing destitution, war and persecution.' Labour MEP Aodhán Ó Ríordáin, who was a senator at the time, said: 'Reports that far right and ultra conservative politicians in Europe were applauding the result in the European parliament just says it all. 'During the European Elections the Taoiseach called on voters to 'send our best team' to the European Parliament. This is what they have decided to do.' He also said that it was 'particularly dispiriting when candidates from centre right parties pretend to have progressive politics at election time, but revert to type when lives are at stake'. McGuinness' defence Speaking to RTÉ News at the time, McGuinness defended her vote and said the provision would have required Frontex, the EU border agency, 'to share information with all ships in the region, including traffickers'. McGuinness said that would not have been acceptable and that if the resolution had passed, it would have 'made the situation worse'. 'We had concerns about the actual content of it, not about the objective,' she said. 'A lot of people are just reading what is on social media without looking at the facts of the situation. I will not allow anyone challenge my ethics or morality around saving lives. It is for political gain,' she said. In an interview on RTÉ's Morning Ireland at the time, Maria Walsh also pointed to the Frontex part of the resolution and said sharing information about 'our most vulnerable when they are most at risk is not the way to do it'. Want to be your own fact-checker? Visit our brand-new FactCheck Knowledge Bank for guides and toolkits The Journal's FactCheck is a signatory to the International Fact-Checking Network's Code of Principles. You can read it here . For information on how FactCheck works, what the verdicts mean, and how you can take part, check out our Reader's Guide here . You can read about the team of editors and reporters who work on the factchecks here . Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... It is vital that we surface facts from noise. Articles like this one brings you clarity, transparency and balance so you can make well-informed decisions. We set up FactCheck in 2016 to proactively expose false or misleading information, but to continue to deliver on this mission we need your support. Over 5,000 readers like you support us. If you can, please consider setting up a monthly payment or making a once-off donation to keep news free to everyone. Learn More Support The Journal
Libya Review
17-06-2025
- General
- Libya Review
Dozens Feared Dead as Migrant Boats Sink Near Libyan Coast
On Tuesday, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) confirmed two tragic shipwrecks off Libya's coast in recent days, with at least 60 migrants feared missing. Survivors were given emergency care by IOM teams upon arrival. 'These tragedies have left families devastated,' said Othman Belbeisi, IOM's Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa. 'We urge the international community to intensify search and rescue efforts and ensure safe, predictable disembarkation for survivors. Our thoughts are with all those affected.' The first shipwreck occurred on June 12 near Alshab port in western Libya. Only five people were rescued. Twenty-one others remain missing, including six Eritreans—three of whom were children—five Pakistanis, four Egyptians, and two Sudanese men. The nationalities of the four others are still unknown. The second shipwreck happened a day later, on June 13, roughly 35 kilometers west of Tobruk. One man survived, rescued by local fishermen. He reported that 39 people were lost at sea. Over the following days, three bodies washed ashore—two on Umm Aqiqih beach on June 14 and one on Elramla beach in Tobruk the next day. Identification efforts are ongoing, with support from members of the Sudanese community. So far in 2025, at least 743 people have died trying to cross the Mediterranean. Of those, 538 died on the Central Mediterranean route, which continues to be the world's deadliest path for migrants. Smugglers are using increasingly dangerous methods, while search and rescue operations remain under-equipped and humanitarian aid efforts face growing restrictions. IOM's Search and Rescue programme in Libya provides immediate assistance to survivors of shipwrecks and desert rescues. The organization also supports local authorities by equipping them with the tools needed to respond to migration emergencies. Globally, IOM's Missing Migrants Project has recorded over 75,000 deaths and disappearances since 2014. More than half occurred in or near crisis-affected countries, highlighting the connection between displacement, insecurity, and the absence of legal migration routes. Tags: europeIOMlibyaLibyan Coastsmigrants
Libya Review
11-06-2025
- General
- Libya Review
IOM: 10 Migrants Found Dead After Leaving Libya
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has expressed deep sorrow following reports of ten migrant bodies found washed up near Marsa Matrouh on Egypt's northern coast. The migrants, from various nationalities, are believed to have departed from Libya. In an official statement, the IOM described the tragedy as yet another painful reminder of the high human cost of irregular migration. The agency stressed the urgent need for coordinated international efforts to establish safe, inclusive, and regular migration pathways for all. The IOM also praised the Egyptian government for its humane and dignified response to the incident, commending its adherence to the highest standards of international humanitarian law. According to the IOM's Missing Migrants Project, more than 32,000 people have died attempting to cross the Mediterranean since 2014. Many more remain unaccounted for. 'Behind every lost life is a story: shattered dreams, grieving families, and futures that will never be realised,' the statement read. The organisation offered its condolences to the victims' loved ones. The IOM renewed its call for collective action to address the root causes of irregular migration and to protect the lives of those on the move. Libya continues to serve as a major departure point for migrants attempting the dangerous journey across the Mediterranean towards Europe. The tragedy highlights the growing urgency to manage migration through legal and protected channels, particularly as conflict, poverty, and instability drive people to risk their lives in search of safety and opportunity. Tags: EgyptIOMlibyaMediterraneanmigrants
Ya Biladi
23-05-2025
- Ya Biladi
Morocco at the heart of rising migrant deaths on irregular routes in 2024, report finds
DR A report released Wednesday by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) reveals that irregular migration across and within the Middle East and North Africa continues to take a devastating toll in 2024. Thousands of people have embarked on perilous journeys seeking safety, protection, and hope for a better future. According to data from IOM's Missing Migrants Project, at least 3,488 deaths and disappearances were recorded in the region this year. The report notes that this figure likely underestimates the true scale, as many deaths remain unreported. Of the 3,488 individuals documented as having died or disappeared along migration routes within or originating from the region, around 60% remain unidentified. Drowning remains the leading cause of death, while fatalities due to exposure, accidents, and violence have increased along several land and sea routes. The Mediterranean Route The Central Mediterranean route continues to be the deadliest sea passage in the region, with over 1,700 deaths and disappearances recorded in 2024. Tunisia and Libya remain major departure points for migrants attempting the dangerous crossing to Europe. At least 581 deaths and disappearances were recorded in 2024 across Algeria (288), Morocco (198), and Spain (95), marking this route as one of the most active and hazardous in the Middle East and North Africa. In Morocco, some deaths occurred during attempts to reach Almería, while many bodies were found near Ceuta, off the coasts of Nador, Fnideq, and Boukané. Numerous drownings involved individuals trying to swim across maritime borders, especially around Tarajal and Chorrillo. Kenitra emerged as a hotspot with 75 deaths or disappearances reported, highlighting increased activity in less-monitored coastal areas. The report also noted ongoing fatalities near Tangier and the Driouch region, where several boats attempting to reach southern Spain, Ceuta, or Melilla met tragic ends. The Atlantic Route The Atlantic maritime route from West Africa to the Canary Islands recorded the highest death toll since data collection began, with 1,095 deaths and disappearances—including 138 off the Moroccan coast. This surge reflects a worrying trend toward longer, more dangerous sea journeys to the Canary Islands, driven by limited safe alternatives. This route connects West African coastal countries—particularly Senegal, Mauritania, and Morocco—with the Spanish Canary Islands, creating a highly perilous maritime corridor to Europe. Often seen as an alternative by migrants and smugglers alike, the journey is significantly longer and riskier, with boats frequently losing contact or capsizing far from shore. Key departure points include northern Senegal, southern Morocco, and Mauritania, while the Canary Islands serve as the main European entry point. In 2024, 46,843 migrants arrived via this route, up from 39,910 in 2023, demonstrating continued reliance on this high-risk passage. The majority of arrivals were from Mali (16,773), Senegal (12,877), Guinea (4,176), Morocco (3,939), and Mauritania (3,100). The report calls on countries to enhance forensic capacities for body recovery, identification, and dignified handling. It urges the establishment of regional standards and protocols for identifying remains, repatriation, and family notification, especially along high-mortality routes such as those in Libya, Egypt, and Morocco.
Yahoo
10-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
French officials hand life jackets to migrants crossing Channel
The French authorities are providing life jackets to small boat migrants to ensure they can cross the Channel safely, experts have revealed. Officials have been handing out the life-saving devices because people smugglers do not, according to maritime experts. The jackets are then returned to the French once the migrants have been escorted to the mid-point of the Channel and are rescued by the British authorities, so that they can be re-used for future crossings. It comes as a record number of migrants have crossed the Channel in the first three months of year. So far some 7,228 have reached the UK in 131 small boats, up 31 per cent on the 5,517 who arrived at the same point last year. UK officials say the growing success of pan-European efforts to disrupt the supply chains of the people smugglers for boats, engines and equipment means they are cramming more migrants into lower-quality dinghies. At least 82 people including 14 children died trying to cross the Channel in 2024, a record high, according to the International Organisation for Migration's Missing Migrants Project. In January a Syrian migrant was 'crushed to death' in a leaking dinghy, according to French authorities. A spokesman for France's North Sea maritime prefecture said: 'Depending on the assessment of the situation on small boats, French maritime authorities can distribute life jackets. It is not systematic and depends on the assessment of the risks and benefits of the situation and the cooperation of the people being assisted. 'It is often in emergency situations, either due to the conditions of the vessel or weather conditions. It can be when some people wish to be rescued and others wish to continue in difficult conditions. 'British and French authorities work in an intelligent fashion to recover and recycle life jackets. There can be exchanges between boats or periodic handovers.' Fisherman Matt Coker, owner of Coker Seafishing, told Times Radio that he suspected it was due to the people smugglers failing to provide life jackets. 'The French, they're giving them life jackets now because so many of them are not getting in the boats with life jackets. I suppose... they're trying to avoid another tragedy,' he said. Mr Coker said he had witnessed more migrants crossing in the past six months. 'It seems to have gone back to what it was two or three years ago, which is, I mean, there seems to be lots of boats all at the same time coming on every possible day,' he said. 'Whereas before that, it did seem to… slow up to just a few boats a day and it was only when the weather was perfect. Now they seem to be leaving the beaches, I suppose, you know, more often.' He said the French were giving migrants safe passage to the UK. 'The French are actually escorting them through the shipping lane to give them a safe passage. And they're only making half the journey now. So... I suppose it is safer, but it almost seems to me like it might be encouraging the problem as well,' he said. 'It's safer for you to cross the Channel now than it's ever been because you'll have an escort from when you leave the beach and you'll be given safe passage and you'll only have to make half the journey because the UK Border Force will be waiting on the border to pick you up, rather than waiting well within UK waters.' More than 6,000 migrants have crossed the Channel to Britain so far in 2025. The rate of migrant Channel crossings under Sir Keir Starmer had been higher than under any of his Conservative predecessors. But just five people have been convicted of piloting small boats to Britain this year. At least 119 dinghies have arrived in Britain from France in the past three months, with the numbers increasing amid warmer weather and calmer seas. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
