Hundreds of thousands have made the perilous trip from Libya and Tunisia to Europe in recent years.
At least 57 people have drowned after a boat capsized off the Libyan coast near Khums, the latest tragedy in the central Mediterranean, the UN's International Organisation for Migration (IOM) says.
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"According to survivors brought to shore by fishermen and the coast guard, at least 20 women and two children were among those who drowned," IOM spokeswoman Safa Msehli said in a tweet.
Migrant boat departures to Italy and other parts of Europe from Libya and Tunisia have increased in recent months with better weather.
Hundreds of thousands have made the perilous crossing in the last few years, many fleeing conflict and poverty in Africa and the Middle East.
Australian Associated Press
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