The Mediterranean Sea - Watery graveyard for illegal migrants

More than 700 migrants have lost their lives when their overcrowded boat capsized off Libya in a major tragedy this week. The Mediterranean Sea has become a vast watery graveyard for illegal migrants. 

Italy accuses other countries of not doing enough to stop the flood of illegal immigrants. European Union (EU) countries seem to have decided not to take part in any rescue operations in the Mediterranean Sea to save the lives of illegal immigrants. EU fears that rescue operations will encourage more people to opt for the dangerous sea journey in search of a better life and future in its member countries. 

Because of wars, poverty and political uncertainty, thousands of people in the Middle East and Africa are trying to reach Europe by sea. According to an estimate, 140,000 people have tried to reach Italy and other European countries this year alone. More than 3,500 people have lost their lives during the perilous sea journey to Europe. 

The UN and the world community are not doing enough to stop the flow of illegal immigrants. Without solving the basic causes, we will not be able to stop illegal immigration.

Khawaja Umer Farooq