The treatment of diseased sea migrants in Italy

Since 2014, the International Organization for Migration has recorded over 34,000 deaths and disappearances of migrants attempting the dangerous journey across the Mediterranean. The majority of them are never recovered from the sea, and those who are found often cannot be identified. In addition to the challenges of identifying the victims, responding to sea deaths involves additional legal and practical issues, including how to contact the surviving family, issue death certificates, and ensure dignified burials. Our research project examines the fragmented legislation and local practices that have emerged in response to these tasks, with the goal of developing policy recommendations for a more compassionate and dignified treatment of deceased sea migrants.