700 migrants arrive in Sicily including 20 pregnant women and 29 minors
2016-01-25 08:14:23 Written by uatoday.tv Published in English Articles Read 1989 times-
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Aid agencies call for collective European approach to migrant crisis
Some 700 migrants rescued by Italy and the EU are undergoing health and identity checks in Sicily.
Among them are 20 pregnant women and 29 unaccompanied children.
Read also Migrant crisis tops agenda of final EU summit of 2015
Most are said to be of African origin including from Eritrea, Nigeria and Somalia. Rescue crews say they will be passed on to Italy for processing.
Read also UN refugee chief calls for 'massive resettlement' of Syrians in Europe
Commander of the Norwegian Ship Siem Pilot, Lise Dunham: "Yes, we always talk to the migrants we of course try to get some information out of them, from where they come and how the journey was, and everything. And then our task, we are a Frontex ship, is to get them safe ashore, to the Italian coast and then the Italian government first will do the rest of the work."
The mass arrival comes as aid agencies call for a collective European approach to the migrant crisis. Some leaders warn the huge influx of people means the EU's passport free Schengen zone is under threat.
