UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and UNICEF issued a joint statement where they claimed to be “deeply dismayed” by the news of the death of a baby during an interception at sea off the southeast coast of the island of Trinidad last Sunday.
By Centro de Comunicación Nacional
Feb 7, 2022
The country’s authorities claimed that the coastguards fired on the boat’s engine “in self-defense.” The shots hit the morther and the baby and killed him.
According to a statement from the Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard, a boat with people from Venezuela was intercepted by one of its ships when it entered the territorial waters of this country.
“We are deeply saddened by this tragedy and extend our sincere condolences to the family and loved ones who mourn this loss and wish a speedy recovery to those injured. No one in search of safety, protection and new opportunities should lose their life,” said Dr. Eduardo Stein, UNHCR-IOM Joint Special Representative for Venezuelan Refugees and Migrants.
UNHCR, IOM, OHCHR and UNICEF called on States to establish mechanisms to help protect the rights of people on the move – in particular women, girls, boys and others with specific protection needs – including the right to have access to adequate regularization and asylum procedures.
“To prevent tragedies like this from happening again, safer pathways for refugees and migrants are needed,” said Dr. Stein. “Systems that can ensure the safe and regular entry of refugees and migrants can deter people from turning to smugglers and ultimately save lives.”
The organizations reiterated their commitment to share their expertise and experience in international human rights standards and are willing to provide technical assistance to Trinidad and Tobago to ensure access to protection and assistance to people affected by human mobility.
They also offered their most sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of the minor who lost his life. “Assistance and humanitarian support is being offered to help them at this time,” the statement concluded.
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