The hazardous Central Mediterranean Sea migration route connecting North Africa and Europe has become a perilous road for thousands of people seeking safety, peace, and better chances. Children are among the most vulnerable victims, who confront enormous dangers and frequently pay the ultimate price. According to UNICEF, 289 children have perished or gone missing this year alone while making this perilous voyage. This heartbreaking figure conveys to approximately eleven children dying or going missing every week.
The Alarming Numbers
Since 2018, approximately 1,500 children have tragically lost their lives or gone missing during attempts to cross the Central Mediterranean Sea. Shockingly, these children account for one in every five deaths or disappearances among the 8,274 recorded cases by the International Organization for Migration's Missing Migrant Project.
Regrettably, numerous shipwrecks in this region go unreported or leave no survivors, making it nearly impossible to determine the actual number of child casualties. The true figure is likely much higher than reported. Recent months have witnessed the loss of many innocent lives, including children and babies, not only on the Central Mediterranean Sea crossing but also on other migration routes across the Mediterranean and the Atlantic route from West Africa. Tragedies have unfolded off the coasts of Greece and Spain's Canary Islands, further underscoring the urgency of the situation.
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The Call for Urgent Action
UNICEF's Executive emphasises the fact that children are boarding boats on Mediterranean coastlines in search of safety, family reunification, and hope for a better future, only to meet a horrible conclusion along the road. Russell advocates for the establishment of safe and legal avenues for children seeking refugee status, as well as increased efforts to save lives at sea.
Addressing the root causes that drive children to undertake such perilous journeys is essential for preventing further loss of life.
Escalating Numbers and Grave Risks
Despite the grave dangers involved, the number of children arriving on the shores of Italy from North Africa since January 2023 has witnessed a two-fold increase compared to the same period in the previous year. UNICEF estimates that 11,600 children, averaging 428 children per week, have made this treacherous journey. Most of these children commence their perilous voyage from Libya and Tunisia after already undertaking hazardous travels from various countries across Africa and the Middle East.
In the first quarter of 2023, 3,300 children were registered as alone or separated from their parents or legal guardians, accounting for 71% of all children utilizing this route. As a result, they are at a far higher risk of violence, exploitation, and abuse. It is especially upsetting to observe that girls travelling alone are more likely to come across violence before, during, and after their journeys.
Multiple Tragedies and Ongoing Risks
The Central Mediterranean Sea has emerged as one of the most hazardous routes for children. Unfortunately, the risk of death at sea is just one of the many tragedies these young individuals encounter. They face threats and experiences of violence, lack of educational and future opportunities, raids, immigration detention, and separation from family. Moreover, their risks are compounded by limited safe pathways, inadequate access to protection in transit countries, and insufficient and slow search and rescue operations.
The Path to Safety and Protection
In line with international law and the Convention on the Rights of the Child, UNICEF calls upon governments to take decisive measures to safeguard vulnerable children at sea and in their countries of origin, transit, and destination. The following actions are imperative:
Protecting children's rights and best interests in accordance with national and international legal obligations
Creating safe and legal routes for children to travel and seek asylum, including increased family reunion and refugee resettlement quotas
Increasing coordination of search and rescue activities and enabling rapid disembarkation to secure locations
Strengthening national child protection systems to effectively incorporate and safeguard vulnerable children, particularly unaccompanied minors.
Improving prospects for children and adolescents in their countries of origin and transit by addressing conflict and climate hazards and improving social protection coverage and opportunities to learn and earn
Providing children with information that allows them to make safe and informed decisions about their alternatives and the dangers of crossing
Keeping all refugee and migrant children in school and providing them with access to health and other critical services
UNICEF also calls upon the European Union to incorporate these measures into the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum, currently under negotiation. The urgency of protecting vulnerable children cannot be overstated, and concerted international efforts are necessary to address this critical issue.
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Conclusion
The loss of young lives while attempting the Central Mediterranean Sea crossing is a harrowing reality that demands immediate attention. . The number of children who have died or gone missing on this hazardous trip highlights the critical need to offer safe and legal routes for their migration and asylum. Governments, international organisations, and stakeholders must work together to improve search and rescue operations, child protection systems, and address the core issues that drive children to put their lives in danger. We can work together to prevent similar tragedies and create a safer, more caring society for all children.
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