A memorial dedicated to the thousands of migrants who have died at
sea trying to reach Italy will be unveiled tomorrow on Lampedusa
island.

The project initiated by the Italian NGOs Alternativa Giovani
Onlus, Arnoldo Mosca Mondadori  and Associazione Amani is
supported by IOM, the Italian Ministry of the Interior, the regions
of Sicily and Puglia, the municipality of Milan and the Office of
the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).

Designed by Italian sculptor Mimmo Paladino, the five-meter high
monument, built in the shape of a door facing the sea, representing
the gateway to Europe, commemorates the men, women and children who
lost their lives in search of a better life.

"In the first six months of 2008 more than 7,000 migrants
reached Lampedusa – double the number who arrived in 2007.
But while the number of migrants who made it safely increased, we
believe that the number of deaths also increased," said IOM
Regional Representative for the Western Mediterranean Peter
Schatzer.

"IOM has provided information and legal advice to more than
30,000 migrants arriving in Lampedusa and Sicily since 2006. We
hope that this monument will focus attention on the human suffering
taking place in the Mediterranean every day and make us think about
why people are prepared to take such risks," he added.

The memorial has also been welcomed by Italian President Giorgio
Napolitano, who sent a letter of appreciation to the organizers. A
number of leading Italian artists will also attend tomorrow's
unveiling.

For further information, please contact:

Flavio Di Giacomo

IOM Rome

Tel: +39 06 44 186 207

E-mail: "mailto:fdigiacomo@iom.int">fdigiacomo@iom.int