Responding to news that on the 14th of June, more than 500 people lost their lives crossing the Mediterranean Sea in search of safety.   

We are devastated to hear about the deaths of hundreds of people who were crossing the Mediterranean Sea in search of safety. Our thoughts are with the victims and our deepest condolences go out to their families.   

So far only 104 individuals have been recused and 81 bodies recovered. However, survivor accounts explain that the boat was carrying as many as 750 people.   

Tragedies like this will continue so long as hostile asylum policies remain. We call on all European countries to respect the human rights of all migrants, including people seeking asylum, and remind them of their international commitments to protect people seeking asylum.   

We take this opportunity to reaffirm our opposition to the ‘Nationality and Borders Act’ and the ‘Illegal Migration Bill’. Pursuing cruel and ineffective deterrence policies and removing all safe routes to claiming asylum is pushing people into dangerous boats, forcing them to put their lives at risk in order to search for safety in the UK.  

We believe that every life is precious and remain thankful to those across the world working to uphold the rights of all people seeking sanctuary.