Mediterranean tragedies 'a result of current EU policies'

HUNDREDS of people protested outside the European Parliament in Brussels on Monday calling for immediate action to aid refugees and migrants who are dying in their hundreds attempting to cross the Mediterranean to reach Europe - many fleeing war and famine in the Middle East and Africa.

The protests came after up to 800 migrants died off the coast of Libya when a boat attempting to reach the Italian island of Lampedusa capsized. Three others died when another boat ran aground on the Greek island of Rhodes.

Speaking at the event, President of the European Parliament's GUE/NGL group, Gabi Zimmer, said:

"Our thoughts are first and foremost with those who perished on Europe's doorstep and with the families and friends of the victims. These repeated tragedies are the result of current EU policies which are in complete contradiction to European values and fundamental human rights."

She hit out at the recent 'Frontex' border patrol programme and instead called for an EU-funded version of Italy's "Mare Nostrum" rescue programme which ended last year and is credited with saving thousands of lives.

Operation Mare Nostrum was costing Italy up to €9million per-month to operate and when the country's government requested additional support from other EU states to keep it running, it received no support.

"What we want to see is a robust common European search-and-rescue operation in the central Mediterranean. More border patrols will not help prevent more tragedies. Simply calling for more cooperation with third countries is a false solution to the crisis," said Zimmer.

Zimmer also condemned the blocking of humanitarian aid in budgetary discussions in the European Council accusing some member states of not wanting to play their part, and hit out at attempts to criminalise the brave efforts from civil society organisations to save migrants.

Sinn Féin MEP Martina Anderson said Britain needs to take its share of the blame for these tragedies:

"There is also an onus on British Prime Minister David Cameron to address the situation, given the actions of his government in creating the conditions for these migrants to take such huge risks by destroying Libyan society and their role in other global conflicts. 

"There is an urgent need for action from the international community if we are to prevent further tragedies in the future."