UNICEF urges gov'ts to protect vulnerable children

The UN agency made the call in line with its obligation under international law and the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

To that end, the UN agency called on all governments to protect the rights and “best interests of children in line with obligations under national and international law, and to also provide “safe and legal pathways for children to migrate and seek asylum”, including expanded family reunification and refugee resettlement quota.

“It has also urged the strengthening of coordination on search and rescue operations and ensuring prompt disembarkation to places of safety, as well as strengthening national child protection systems to better include and protect children at risk of exploitation and violence, particularly, unaccompanied children.”