Readout of the Secretary-General’s phone call with H.E. Mr. Matteo Renzi, Prime Minister of Italy

The Secretary-General spoke today with H.E. Mr. Matteo Renzi, Prime Minister of Italy. They expressed grave concern about the loss of life of migrants and refugees in the Mediterranean Sea. The Secretary-General expressed appreciation for Italy’s efforts in addressing the crisis.

The Secretary-General and Prime Minister Renzi agreed that the international community has a shared responsibility to ensure protection of migrants and refugees that are making the journey across the Mediterranean Sea. The Secretary-General underscored the need to ensure a robust joint European rescue-at-sea mechanism in the Mediterranean Sea, and stressed the need for ensuring safe and regular avenues of migration and access to protection.