– We are very concerned – VG

More than 19,500 migrants have arrived in the archipelago off the northwest coast of Africa so far this year.

In November, more than 8,000 migrants arrived in the Canary Islands, who are now fighting to take care of everyone. Never before have so many come in a month.

– We are extremely concerned, writes the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in a Press release.

By comparison, the peninsula in Spain has received just under 18,000. Greece has received just over 15,000 immigrants.

Not even during the so-called cayuco crisis between 2006 and 2008 did so many migrant boats arrive in a single month, writes the local newspaper Canarias7. The crisis got its name from the West African wooden fishing boats that migrants used for the journey.

Almost 600 have died

According to the UN agency, the International Organization for Migration (IOM), at least 563 people have lost their lives while trying to reach the islands, writes The Guardian. In one of the boat accidents, 60 of the 130 passengers died when the engine exploded.

This year’s death toll is more than double that of 2019, reports the IOM. Then 210 migrants died.

By comparison, the UN estimates that around 900 people have died or disappeared after attempting to cross the Mediterranean into Europe.

After a long and dangerous journey across the open sea, many of them arrive at the port of the city of Arguineguín, known to Norwegians as a quiet vacation destination. The city of 2,300 residents is now home to 2,600 migrants.

It is from here that the many rescue operations have been coordinated, says Moa Nyamwathi Lønning of the Red Cross to VG. He is a senior analyst in the organization’s humanitarian needs and analysis department.

Invisible crisis

According to Lønning, the arrival of 187 new migrant ships was reported on Friday, which were transported to the port at dawn.

– We want to draw attention to the situation. It’s serious, and this hasn’t been featured much in the Norwegian media, Lønning says.

– The UN High Commissioner for Refugees and IOM have announced that they will have a team in the Canary Islands, starting in January due to the situation, says Lønning at the Red Cross.

The Atlantic route for migrants has seen an increase in its use this year.

Closed national borders due to the pandemic, tighter border controls in North Africa and ongoing conflicts have led human traffickers to once again start using the long and dangerous crossing over the sea to the Canary Islands. .

Overcrowded migrant camp closed

In Arguineguín, about four months ago a temporary reception camp for migrants was installed, with a capacity for about 500 people. During November, the number multiplied by five.

The camp was closed on Monday after the Spanish ombudsman said the camp may not cover basic human rights, writes The Guardian newspaper.

The migrants who lived here have been transferred to a new camp in a former military base and to tourist hotels.

The Red Cross believes that Norway must help now.

– Norway must contribute to finding durable solutions by focusing on common European solutions that safeguard the dignity of people on the run, their fundamental rights and human dignity, Lønning tells VG.