February 6, 2025

Today, February 6, marks the International Day for the Commemoration of the Dead and Missing at Borders and at Seas. On this occasion, we honor the memory of those who lost their lives at borders and in the sea—Individuals and families who lost their lives in the pursuit of a dignified life free from conflict, poverty, and human rights violations.

This painful and sad day is an opportunity to express our full and continuing solidarity with the families of the missing and the dead who have endured and continue to endure the pain of loss and absence.

The borders and seas have become open graves that drown the dreams of our youth and families who were looking forward to living in dignity and safety. It is deeply distressing that this humanitarian tragedy persists before the eyes of the international community, which must now, more than ever, assume its moral and humanitarian responsibilities.

In this context, we remember with profound sorrow the tragedy of the April boat that sank near the port of Tripoli, Lebanon, claiming the lives of many innocent victims- children, women, men and the elderly, who were fleeing unbearable living conditions. Likewise, we cannot forget the tragedy of the Cyprus boat, which represents a permanent wound in our collective memory, along with other similar disasters. These tragedies are not isolated incidents but part of an ongoing humanitarian crisis linked to irregular migration, necessitating urgent and humane intervention.

At Cedar Centre for Legal Studies, and in line with our mission to promote human rights and protect human dignity, we call upon the international community and concerned stakeholders to:

1. Ensure Justice and Accountability: Conduct thorough investigations into cases of enforced disappearance and death, ensuring accountability for those responsible for endangering the lives of migrants at sea or at borders.
2. Save Lives: Strengthen search and rescue operations at sea.

3. Protect Migrants’ Rights: Guarantee the fundamental human rights of migrants and refugees, including their right to life and dignity.
4. Support Families: Provide psychosocial support to the families of the missing and help them obtain information about their loved ones.

In this regard, Cedar Centre for Legal Studies highlights its December 2024 report on ”Syrian Refugees in Lebanon Between Discriminatory Policies, Hate Speech and the “Death Boats“. The report documents the systematic violations faced by Syrian refugees, including discriminatory policies, forced deportations, and the life-threatening risks encountered during their migration attempts. It reflects the scale of the humanitarian crisis and calls for concrete measures to protect the rights of migrants, in line with international human rights laws.

We recognize that the irregular migration crisis is merely a matter of numbers and statistics; it is a profound humanitarian crisis affecting societies worldwide, particularly Lebanon. Strengthening international cooperation and upholding human rights are essential to addressing this crisis.

Thus, Cedar Centre for Legal Studies reaffirms its ongoing commitment to protecting human dignity and the right to life, while advocating for the rule of law and social justice. The lives lost must not be forgotten; they must be honored through serious, dedicated, and responsible efforts to prevent these tragedies from recurring.

Mercy for the dead, hope for the missing, and justice for their families.