The director of the United Nations International Organization for Migration office in New York on Thursday expressed concern over the rise in "discrimination, xenophobic attacks, and negative narratives against migrants and refugees" along the Mediterranean route. Addressing the Security Council in New York, Pär Liljert urged nations to ensure the safety & dignity of those within their borders as required by “applicable international instruments.” Ruven Menikdiwela, head of the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) also told the Security Council that "saving lives at sea and providing humanitarian assistance is one of the most basic obligations of humanity, and those performing rescue operations or helping in good faith should not be penalized for doing so." Between Jan. and Aug. 2023, it is estimated that over 102,000 refugees and migrants attempted to cross the central Mediterranean Sea to Europe from Tunisia — a 260% increase compared with last year. Over 45,000 crossed from Libya.