Report

Analysis of Best Practices in the Identification of Missing Migrants: Implications for the Central Mediterranean

Central Mediterranean Route Thematic Report Series, Issue No. 2. International Organization for Migration, Global Migration Data Analysis Centre, Geneva.
Author
Simon Robins
Publication Year
2019
Region
Europe and Central Asia
Thematic Area
Families / Law & Policies
Topic
Identification / Information Management (Archive/Database/Register) / Management of the Dead / Migration / Rescue at sea
Access
Open access

This report focuses on the challenges faced in identifying dead migrants on the Central Mediterranean route and informing the families of the deceased. The vast majority of identifications in Italy and other States on this route lack reliability and cohesiveness; in particular, systematic post- and ante-mortem data collection and management is poor. The report concludes with recommendations for European States and regional institutions, as well as for civil society and international agencies.