With more than hundreds still missing, among them children, the capsizing of the refugee boat on Wednesday is one of Europe's worst refugee tragedies in recent history.
European Green co-presidents Mélanie Vogel and Thomas Waitz react:
"We are devastated by this tragic news. Our thoughts are with the victims, their families and their communities.
National and European authorities must investigate what has led to this catastrophic incident. Both Frontex and the Greek coastguard were aware that the ship was in distress. They did not provide adequate help despite receiving multiple distress calls from passengers on the boat hours before it capsized.
Europe urgently needs a functioning sea rescue system and a redistribution mechanism between EU Member States based on solidarity and human dignity.
Unfortunately, the Migration and Asylum Pact adopted by the European Council last week does exactly the opposite: it doubles down on the failed policy of walls, camps and total disregard for human rights. It will only push more refugees into the arms of smugglers who will take the deadly route across the Mediterranean. To put an end to this ongoing tragedy, the European Union needs a fair and efficient asylum system based on solidarity, human rights and the rule of law".
