The report ‘20 migrants missing after new sinking off Tunisia: Official’ published on April 9 is once again sharing the pathetic living conditions of the already suffering refugee community worldwide.

Besides the civilian unrest, the pandemic has worsened the whole scenario, so they have been on the brink of life-ending circumstances or escape to a safer place elsewhere.

There have been several migrant boat tragedies that have taken the lives of many innocent people, including women and children, yet there is no end to the crisis. Unfortunately, refugees from countries hit by unrest have been allowed to be an issue of concern for the world community for so long with so little action. Because of the ongoing unrest playing out in their home countries, these people have been forced to attempt to relocate for mere survival.

Meanwhile, the efforts of aid agencies cannot be overlooked, though the plight of the more significant number of refugees has yet to see a change of hope.

It is high time they need support from developed countries and organisations for their endless struggle to save precious lives. A solid international approach to migration is the need of the hour. The world must take decisive steps to end this grim reality.

Ramachandran Nair,
Muscat