Posted on 05 October 2023
Between the beginning of 2023 and now, almost 12,000 unaccompanied children have crossed the Central Mediterranean Sea to Italy, an increase of 60% from within the same period last year. Over 2500 people, including children, have died making this crossing in 2023.
UNICEF says that “the lack of regionwide, coordinated and adequate search and rescue capacities and cooperation at sea on disembarkation compound the dangers children face when crossing.”
“The Mediterranean Sea has become a cemetery for children and their futures”, says Regina De Dominicis, UNICEF Regional Director, and Special Coordinator for the Refugee and Migrant Response in Europe. She calls for the “adoption of a Europe-wide response to supporting children and families seeking asylum and safety and a sustained increase in international aid to support countries faced by multiple crises are desperately needed to prevent more children suffering.”