The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has reported the discovery of a mass grave containing the remains of at least 65 migrants in Libya.

The circumstances surrounding their deaths and their nationalities remain unknown, but the IOM suspects they perished while being smuggled through the desert en route to the Mediterranean.

Expressing profound shock, the United Nations-affiliated organization emphasized that Libya is currently investigating the matter.

Located in southwest Libya, the grave underscores the dire situation faced by migrants attempting dangerous journeys.

An IOM spokesperson emphasized the anguish experienced by families seeking answers about missing loved ones and lamented the tragic loss of life.

Highlighting the consequences of inaction, the organization stressed the urgent need for a coordinated response to combat migrant smuggling and promote legal migration channels.

Libya is among the main departure points for migrants trying to cross the Mediterranean to enter Europe.

The Geneva-based IOM also called on Libyan authorities and other UN agencies to ensure a dignified recovery, identification, and transfer of the remains.

The discovery of the mass grave comes after at least 60 migrants, who set off from the Libyan coast, died when a rubber dinghy ran into trouble in the Mediterranean Sea.

The IOM said earlier this month that 2023 was the deadliest year for migrants since records began a decade ago, with at least 8,565 people dying on migration routes worldwide.

The UN agency, which provides humanitarian assistance to vulnerable people in Libya, said the figure was 20% up on the year before.

Too bad