BORDERS IN MOTION 

2023, a year marked by a large increase in sea arrivals in comparison to the year before, and not only on the Central Mediterranean route. 2023, a year of intensified attempts by the EU to expand border control in collaboration with its autocratic partners in North Africa. 2023, another year of even tougher racist agitation and deprivation of rights all throughout Europe and beyond. 

Borders have been challenged and have shifted on various levels and directions this past year. It is not difficult to predict that this conflict will continue and possibly escalate in 2024. As Civil MRCC, we promise to stay at the side of refugees and migrants and in solidarity with their daily struggles to practice freedom of movement and find a safer and better life. 

In 2023: 

 • 157.314 people arrived to Italy and Malta by sea, a significant number of whom arrived autonomously (UNHCR figures until 30 November) 
• 12.523 people were rescued by the civil fleet from more than 230 boats in distress (CMRCC figures until 31 December)
• 17.025 people were pushed back to Libya after they were intercepted by the EU-supported so-called Libyan Coast Guard (IOM figures) and 48.074 people were intercepted by the Tunisian authorities (FTDES figures until 30 November)
• 1.902 people have been reported dead or missing on the Central Mediterranean Route (UNHCR figures until 31 December) including 1.300 people who fled Tunisia (FTDES figures).