(ANSAmed) - GENEVA, FEB 18 - At least 21 migrants have lost their lives on the land border between Turkey and Greece in 2022, compared with 10 deaths reported in the same period of January and February last year.
    About 55 lives were lost in all of 2021, the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) noted, expressing alarm over the increase in migrant deaths and continual reports of pushbacks along the EU border between Greece and Turkey.
    "There are persistent reports of pushbacks, collective expulsions, and use of excessive force against people on the move along this route, based on testimonies collected by IOM teams in both countries. Such actions are not in line with and oppose States' commitments and obligations under international and regional law, such as the violation of the principle of non-refoulement," IOM said in an online statement.
    It noted that it is " worried by the continuing maltreatment of migrants in this area, despite repeated calls for action. The instrumentalization of migrants is unacceptable and saving lives should remain the number one priority." "In 2021, nearly 3,500 people died attempting to enter the EU through maritime and land borders, making it the deadliest year for migrants in the region since 2018. This human toll is intolerable and requires urgent action and cooperation," it said, noting that it is "ready to collaborate with States to implement the GCM and achieve its objectives, to save lives and manage borders under a rights-based approach, to ensure the respect of States' international law obligations, and to build capacities thereof, with the aims of ensuring the dignity and safety of people on the move. (ANSAmed).