Between June 1, 2023, and May 31, 2024, nearly 95,000 migrants were received at the hotspot on the Italian island of Lampedusa. This figure, provided by the head of the Italian branch of the Red Cross, underscores the island’s critical role in managing the ongoing migrant crisis. The hotspot, managed by the Red Cross since the previous year, handled a total of 94,290 migrants during this period.
Of the migrants received, 72.4% were men, 9.4% were women, and 18.2% were minors. The operations included 2,264 disembarkations, with an average of 698 people present daily, who stayed for about 2.67 days before being transferred elsewhere. The migrants hailed from 47 different countries, with the largest groups coming from Guinea (13.7%), Tunisia (13.1%), Bangladesh (9.7%), Syria (8.7%), and Ivory Coast (8.4%). These five countries alone accounted for 53.6% of the total arrivals.
Rosario Valastro, president of the Italian Red Cross, reflected on the past year of managing the Lampedusa hotspot. “A year ago, I said that we would transform Lampedusa into a bastion of humanity, and thanks to the commitment of volunteers, workers, the support of authorities, other associations, and the local population, I believe this has happened,” he stated. He emphasized the importance of protecting human dignity at all times, which has been a hallmark of the Red Cross’s mission for 160 years.
Valastro stressed that migration should no longer be viewed as an extraordinary event but as an integral part of history, present, and daily life. He highlighted the need to address migration with respect for those fleeing difficult situations, conflicts, crises, famines, and violence in search of a better future. During the year in review, 1,827 reports were filed for individuals with vulnerabilities or special needs. This included 1,155 people with healthcare needs, 698 pregnant women, 374 victims of psychological, physical, or sexual violence, 50 victims of torture, 255 people with disabilities, 89 individuals suffering from serious illnesses or mental problems, 25 potential victims of trafficking, and 14 victims of female genital mutilation.