At least 40 refugees and migrants are feared dead off of the coast of Libya after a boat carrying dozens of people en route to Europe capsized Tuesday morning in the Mediterranean Sea.

According to the Libyan coast guard, some 65 migrants and refugees, mostly from Sudan, were rescued with the help of local fishermen.

With Tuesday’s tragedy, the number of migrants and refugees who have lost their lives this year in the Mediterranean en route to Europe is up to 900.

Meanwhile, far-right European leaders like Italian Interior Minister Matteo Salvini continue to criminalize refugees and migrants, as well as humanitarian aid workers who often lead search and rescue missions in the Mediterranean.

Democracy Now! speaks with Charlie Yaxley, spokesperson for the U.N. Refugee Agency.

Amy Goodman Bill Press. Free Speech TV Charlie Yaxley Democracy Now! Europe Itlay Libyan Coast Guard Mediterranean Sea Migrants Refugees Sudan U.N. Refugee Agency