SOS Humanity International, Sea Watch International mourn dead baby evacuated from sea

SOS Humanity International, and Sea Watch International have expressed sadness over the death of a baby found dead during a rescue operation.

The mother and the older sibling came out alive.

Mourning the baby, SOS Humanity International said: “With great sadness, we commemorate the young baby whose dead body was recovered yesterday during the rescue of 45 people from distress at sea. Our sympathy goes to the mother and older sibling who were also brought to #Lampedusa by the Italian Coast Guard.

“We also feel deeply for the survivors on board Humanity 1 and all the people on the move who have to take this journey despite the knowledge that they may die. In 2023 alone, 91 children lost their lives on the Central #Mediterranean – the deadliest year since records began.

“It is a decline in Europe’s humanitarian values not even to protect children, but to hand them over to brutal policies,” says Sofia, Communications Coordinator on board Humanity 1. The #EU’s policy of deterrence does not lead to people no longer fleeing – only to more dying.

Also condoling the family, Sea Watch International said: “No forgiving, no forgetting. We mourn for the baby who died because of Europe’s brutal border regime. Our thoughts are with the family. We urge 🇮🇹 to give @soshumanity_en immediate permission to enter the nearest port & bring all survivors safely ashore.”