The United Nations high commissioner for refugees has called on the European Union (EU) to prioritize the protection of migrants, after the 28-nation bloc approved anti-trafficking military operations in the Mediterranean Sea.

"Our position has been very clear: first priority rescue at sea -- lives need to be saved, nobody should be left to die in the Mediterranean," Antonio Guterres said on Tuesday.

His remarks came one day after the EU agreed on a three-stage military plan called the European Union Naval Force - Mediterranean (EUNAVFOR Med), aimed at stopping human traffickers from bringing migrants across the Mediterranean to Europe.

"So whatever can be done to crack down on traffickers and smugglers is positive, with one essential condition - that the protection of the victims is guaranteed and the access to European territory is guaranteed," said Guterres.

The military plan, which may start as soon as next week, will initially include five warships, two submarines, three maritime patrol aircraft, drones, and helicopters.

Critics say taking military action in Libyan waters or halting a vessel flying the country's flag without an international mandate would be in violation of the international law.

More than 100,000 illegal migrants have crossed the Mediterranean, using smuggler vessels so far this year, with most of them arriving in Italy, Greece and Malta.

According to the United Nations, since the beginning of the year, more than 54,000 migrants have reached the shores of Italy, 48,000 arrived in Greece, 920 migrants in Spain, and 100 in Malta.

Some 1,800 people have already died while trying to enter Europe so far.

SZH/KA/HMV