Ireland has said it would accept 10 migrants from Italy, in the first response by an EU country to Rome's call for help after more than 2,000 people landed on its shores. "We are assisting Italy by accepting 10 people as a voluntary gesture of solidarity," a spokesman for the Irish permanent representation to the EU said. The European Commission confirmed Ireland was the first EU nation to respond to requests to take in arrivals from the latest wave of people that landed in Italy. "Discussions are ongoing, and we encourage member states to show solidarity and participate in relocation efforts," a spokesman for the EU executive said. According to the International Organization for Migration, a UN agency, more than 550 people have died in crossings from North Africa to Italy and Malta since the start of 2021.

Source: The North Africa Journal May 17, 2021 15:11 UTC