The drowning of about 700 migrants in the Mediterranean this week is a tragedy that should never be repeated. Yet this is just the latest in a series of incidents that have claimed the lives of more than 1,600 people trying to get to Europe. With the chaos in Libya making it an attractive launching point for illegal migration and few significant deterrents, further tragedies seem inevitable.
These drownings are merely a symptom of a much bigger problem. This is a population drift from poor and chaotic countries to rich and developed ones. From the US-Mexico border to the new wall separating Bulgaria from Turkey, we have seen attempts to keep illegal immigrants out but despite the deployment of sophisticated surveillance technology and high walls, the flow of migrants increases by the day.
Solving the migration problem is far from straightforward and demands a multi-pronged approach extending across international borders. Some in Europe advocate letting these boats sink, with prospective migrants being deterred by the high likelihood of death. This strategy is both heartless and unsuccessful, as is clear from the numbers willing to make the journey despite the risks.
In the short term, more air and sea patrols are needed from across the European Union. Last year, the EU scaled back the Mare Nostrum marine rescue programme that had saved 130,000 people in 2014 after Italy announced that it didn’t have the funds to continue to run the programme without assistance. Put simply, this problem is too big for any single country to face. After all, we are talking about patrolling much of Europe’s Mediterranean coastline. Given the size of the area that migrants are trying to breach, it is nearly impossible to end migration outright through heavy-handed maritime enforcement.
Those fleeing either conflict or economic hardship are drawn to better prospects in the West despite the risks of drowning in the Mediterranean or dying of thirst in the deserts of New Mexico. The European Union and the United States must recognise these underlying causes for people to make harrowing journeys.
Ultimately ending the root causes of this flow of migrants will require strategies for bringing prosperity to the developing world and this will be a pressing issue for future generations.
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
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Tearful appearance
Chancellor Rachel Reeves set markets on edge as she appeared visibly distraught in parliament on Wednesday.
Legislative setbacks for the government have blown a new hole in the budgetary calculations at a time when the deficit is stubbornly large and the economy is struggling to grow.
She appeared with Keir Starmer on Thursday and the pair embraced, but he had failed to give her his backing as she cried a day earlier.
A spokesman said her upset demeanour was due to a personal matter.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
No more lice
Defining head lice
Pediculus humanus capitis are tiny wingless insects that feed on blood from the human scalp. The adult head louse is up to 3mm long, has six legs, and is tan to greyish-white in colour. The female lives up to four weeks and, once mature, can lay up to 10 eggs per day. These tiny nits firmly attach to the base of the hair shaft, get incubated by body heat and hatch in eight days or so.
Identifying lice
Lice can be identified by itching or a tickling sensation of something moving within the hair. One can confirm that a person has lice by looking closely through the hair and scalp for nits, nymphs or lice. Head lice are most frequently located behind the ears and near the neckline.
Treating lice at home
Head lice must be treated as soon as they are spotted. Start by checking everyone in the family for them, then follow these steps. Remove and wash all clothing and bedding with hot water. Apply medicine according to the label instructions. If some live lice are still found eight to 12 hours after treatment, but are moving more slowly than before, do not re-treat. Comb dead and remaining live lice out of the hair using a fine-toothed comb.
After the initial treatment, check for, comb and remove nits and lice from hair every two to three days. Soak combs and brushes in hot water for 10 minutes.Vacuum the floor and furniture, particularly where the infested person sat or lay.
Courtesy Dr Vishal Rajmal Mehta, specialist paediatrics, RAK Hospital
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Price: Exact regional pricing TBA
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Ferrari 12Cilindri specs
Engine: naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12
Power: 819hp
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Price: From Dh1,700,000
Available: Now
