Latest news with #OthmanBelbeisi
Business Recorder
6 hours ago
- Business Recorder
Five Pakistanis feared dead after shipwreck off the coast of Libya
At least five Pakistanis are feared dead in a shipwreck near Alshab port in Tripolitania, off the coast of Libya. As per the International Organization for Migration (IOM), at least 60 refugees and migrants are feared missing and drowned at sea after two shipwrecks off the coast of Libya, while six survived the wreck. Two more bodies of Libya boat tragedy arrive 'With dozens feared dead and entire families left in anguish, IOM is once again urging the international community to scale up search and rescue operations and guarantee safe, predictable disembarkation for survivors,' said Othman Belbeisi, Regional Director for Middle East and North Africa (MENA). 'We extend our deepest condolences to the families of the victims and all those affected.' On 12 June, 21 people were reported missing after a shipwreck near Alshab port in Tripolitania, where only five survivors were found, said the press release. 'Among those feared dead are six Eritreans, including three women and three children, five Pakistanis, four Egyptians, and two Sudanese men. The identities of four others remain unknown.' The IOM added that the second tragedy occurred on June 13, approximately 35 kilometres west of Tobruk. 'According to the sole survivor, who was rescued by fishermen, 39 people were lost at sea. In the days that followed, three bodies washed ashore: two on Umm Aqiqih beach on 14 June and another on Elramla beach in downtown Tobruk on 15 June. Identification efforts are ongoing, with support from members of the Sudanese community.' So far in 2025, at least 743 people have died attempting to cross the Mediterranean to Europe, including 538 on the Central Mediterranean route alone. On April 12, four Pakistani nationals died in a boat capsizing incident off the Harawa coast near Sirte City in eastern Libya. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif vowed to launch an all-out war on the shadowy underworld of human trafficker. The PM vowed to take decisive action to dismantle trafficking networks operating with alarming impunity.
Yahoo
10 hours ago
- Yahoo
At least 60 people ‘feared dead' after shipwrecks off the coast of Libya
At least 60 refugees and migrants are feared missing and drowned at sea after two shipwrecks off the coast of Libya, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) has said, after attempting the perilous crossing to Europe. 'With dozens feared dead and entire families left in anguish, IOM is once again urging the international community to scale up search and rescue operations and guarantee safe, predictable disembarkation for survivors,' Othman Belbeisi, the regional director for the Middle East and North Africa. One shipwreck occurred on June 12 near Alshab port in Tripolitania, the United Nations agency said. Only five survivors were found and 21 people were reported missing. Among those feared dead are six Eritreans, including three women and three children, five Pakistanis, four Egyptians and two Sudanese men. The identities of four others remain unknown. The second incident occurred on June 13, approximately 35km (22 miles) west of Libya's Tobruk. According to the sole survivor, who was rescued by fishermen, 39 people are missing. At least 743 people have died so far this year attempting to cross the Mediterranean to Europe, including 538 on the Central Mediterranean route, which remains the deadliest known migration route in the world. In recent years, the European Union has increased efforts to reduce such migration, including by providing equipment and financial support to the Libyan coastguard, a quasi-military organisation linked to militias accused of abuses and other crimes. NGOs say the phasing out of state-run search and rescue operations has made journeys across the Mediterranean more dangerous. They have also denounced what they see as punitive action by states against charities operating in the Mediterranean. As a result, many people fleeing conflict and persecution have found themselves stranded in Libya, often held in detention in conditions that rights groups describe as inhumane. Libya, which is still struggling to recover from years of war and chaos after the 2011 NATO-backed overthrow of longtime ruler Muammar Gaddafi, has been criticised for its treatment of refugees and migrants. Accusations from rights groups range from extortion to slavery, while smugglers and human traffickers have also taken advantage of the climate of instability in the country.
Libya Review
12 hours ago
- 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
Al Jazeera
13 hours ago
- Al Jazeera
At least 60 people ‘feared dead' after shipwrecks off the coast of Libya
At least 60 refugees and migrants are feared missing and drowned at sea after two shipwrecks off the coast of Libya, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) has said, after attempting the perilous crossing to Europe. 'With dozens feared dead and entire families left in anguish, IOM is once again urging the international community to scale up search and rescue operations and guarantee safe, predictable disembarkation for survivors,' Othman Belbeisi, the regional director for the Middle East and North Africa. One shipwreck occurred on June 12 near Alshab port in Tripolitania, the United Nations agency said. Only five survivors were found and 21 people were reported missing. Among those feared dead are six Eritreans, including three women and three children, five Pakistanis, four Egyptians and two Sudanese men. The identities of four others remain unknown. The second incident occurred on June 13, approximately 35km (22 miles) west of Libya's Tobruk. According to the sole survivor, who was rescued by fishermen, 39 people are missing. At least 743 people have died so far this year attempting to cross the Mediterranean to Europe, including 538 on the Central Mediterranean route, which remains the deadliest known migration route in the world. In recent years, the European Union has increased efforts to reduce such migration, including by providing equipment and financial support to the Libyan coastguard, a quasi-military organisation linked to militias accused of abuses and other crimes. NGOs say the phasing out of state-run search and rescue operations has made journeys across the Mediterranean more dangerous. They have also denounced what they see as punitive action by states against charities operating in the Mediterranean. As a result, many people fleeing conflict and persecution have found themselves stranded in Libya, often held in detention in conditions that rights groups describe as inhumane. Libya, which is still struggling to recover from years of war and chaos after the 2011 NATO-backed overthrow of longtime ruler Muammar Gaddafi, has been criticised for its treatment of refugees and migrants. Accusations from rights groups range from extortion to slavery, while smugglers and human traffickers have also taken advantage of the climate of instability in the country.
Arab News
26-02-2025
- Business
- Arab News
New Islamic fund to aid vulnerable communities globally
Riyadh: The International Organization for Migration launched the Islamic Philanthropy Fund, a new initiative to support the world's most vulnerable communities, at the UN office in Riyadh. Amid escalating crises and rising displacement, the organization is developing innovative ways to deliver life-saving aid to more than 75 million people uprooted by conflict, disasters and insecurity. The event was attended by high-level representatives from the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, the Islamic Development Bank, diplomats, UN agencies, private sector stakeholders and leading Islamic philanthropy organizations. Amy Pope, the organization's director general, said: 'With today's complex crises displacing record numbers and causing immense suffering, it is critical to harness Islamic charity to help alleviate hardship, empower communities and protect human dignity.' She added that the fund serves as a 'trusted platform for Muslims worldwide to maximize their contributions' impact.' In its inaugural year, the fund is prioritizing Sudan's emergency response, delivering cash to displaced families, those stranded at borders and communities in urgent need. A newly established advisory body ensures transparency, integrity and effective impact. During the launch, the IOM signed memorandums of understanding with the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the International Islamic Fiqh Academy to enhance the fund's efficiency and reach. Othman Belbeisi, IOM regional director for the Middle East and North Africa, told Arab News: 'The number of internally displaced persons worldwide now exceeds 79 million — double the figure from five years ago.' Belbeisi highlighted the need to diversify funding sources to address growing humanitarian challenges. 'Islamic finance is a crucial resource for supporting vulnerable communities and addressing urgent needs,' he said, adding that it will bolster the organization's projects across multiple countries by providing sustainable funding. Tariq Cheema, a member of the fund's advisory board, told Arab News: 'We are in a rapidly evolving world where shifting power dynamics make innovative solutions essential to mitigating human suffering.' Cheema said that the fund not only empowers local organizations delivering critical aid, but also helps shape future generations. By investing in skills development, creating job opportunities and supporting diverse work models, the fund can enhance efficiency, reduce costs and strengthen organizations for long-term impact, he added.
