International report warns refugees and migrants face abuse and exploitation

Refugees and migrants face human rights violations and exploitation not only at sea, but also on the vast land routes that cross the African continent to the Mediterranean coast, an international report warned today.
The risks faced by migrants are highlighted in a joint report by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, the International Organization for Migration and the Centre on Mixed Migration titled “On this journey, no one cares whether you live or die.” Refugees and migrants face less documentation and attention on these land routes.
The report explains that refugees and migrants report risks and violations including physical violence, arbitrary detention, kidnapping for ransom, human trafficking, theft and other abuses.
Despite international commitments to save lives and address vulnerabilities in accordance with international law, the joint report warns that current international action is insufficient, noting significant gaps in protection and assistance along the central Mediterranean route, which are driving refugee influxes and migrants to resume their dangerous journeys.
The report notes that UNHCR, IOM, partners and many governments have redoubled their efforts, including in terms of protection and life-saving assistance service levels, but it says humanitarian work alone is not enough.
In the report, the three agencies called for the provision and strengthening of protection responses to save lives and alleviate suffering, and efforts to address the root causes of displacement and the drivers behind irregular movements.