ROME – The European Union chief of foreign policy, Federica Mogherini has unveiled the latest plan to deal with the Mediterranean migrant crisis. The Italian announced that no immigrant would be sent back against their will and has called for the United Nations to co-operate in the initiative.

 Mogherini told the UN Security Council on Monday that the Geneva Convention for the protection of migrants “would be fully respected,” and this “exceptional situation requires exceptional measures.”

 It is thought that given the vast numbers of refugees who attempt the crossing – 60,000 so far this year according to UN estimates – a number of EU countries will be asked to accept a quota of up to 20,000 migrants. However the exact details of any resettlement plans have yet to be released.

 At a summit for EU leaders last week, which was called in response to April 18’s devastating tragedy where as many as 800 migrants are thought to have drowned after their ship capsized, it was agreed to triple the budget for Mediterranean rescue operations.

 Furthermore, in her speech in New York on Monday, Mogherini told UN Security Council members that the EU is ready to act to crack down on the traffickers behind the deadly Mediterranean voyages. Any attempt to specifically target traffickers by the EU military will require backing from the UN, however the chief of foreign policy said steps would be taken in the meantime.

 “We need close partnership with the wider international community and in particular with the UN Security Council.”said Mogherini. “There are steps that the European Union will take in full respect of international law, even before a UNSC resolution is adopted.”

 High profile world leaders including Pope Francis and Ban Ki-moon have cautioned against the use of violence in recent weeks, suggesting that military intervention could worsen the situation for migrants and put innocent lives in danger. However, a potential naval operation is currently being outlined in Brussels, and will be discussed by the EU Foreign Affairs Council on May 18.