“UNICEF estimates 11,600 children – an average of 428 children a week – arrived on the shores of Italy from North Africa since January 2023. This is a two-fold increase compared to the same period in 2022, despite the grave risks involved for children,” the UN body administering children affairs said in the statement. It added that the majority departed from Libya and Tunisia while some already made the dangerous journeys from countries across Africa and the Middle East.
It adds: “In the first three months of 2023, 3,300 children – 71 percent of all children arriving to Europe via this route - were recorded as unaccompanied or separated from parents or legal guardians, putting them at a greater risk of violence, exploitation and abuse. Girls travelling alone are especially likely to experience violence before, during and after their journeys.”
“The Central Mediterranean Sea has become one of the most dangerous routes travelled by children. However, the risk of death at sea is just one of many tragedies these children face – from threats or experiences of violence, lack of educational or future opportunities, raids and immigration detention or separation from family.”
It further stated that these risks are further compounded by limited pathways for children to move safely, lack of access to protection in countries along the way and insufficient and slow search and rescue operations.
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