UNICEF: 11 children die at sea every week on the Mediterranean route

Since the beginning of 2023, an estimated 11,600 children have crossed the Mediterranean alone or separated from their parents. In a desperate attempt to cross, 289 children have already died or disappeared in 2023. This means that every week 11 children die or disappear in the Mediterranean. Since 2018, 1,500 children have lost their lives, not including the numerous accidents at sea that go unrecorded. Hence, the number of deaths is likely to be higher. Specific data on casualties can be found at this link.

The migration route from North Africa to Europe remains one of the deadliest and most dangerous routes for children. In addition to the risk of tragedy at sea, violence, threats, lack of education, detention and separation from family are serious risks that migrant children face. 

UNICEF Executive Director, Catherine Russell, stresses that this high number of innocent children losing their lives in the hope of a better future together with their families demands an immediate effort from all. This is why it is important for governments to fulfill their international obligations under the Convention on the Rights of the Child. UNICEF reiterates these obligations, which include: protecting the rights and best interests of children; providing safe and legal migration routes; strengthening the coordination of search and rescue operations and national child protection systems to avoid exploitation and violence; improving life prospects in the country of origin and ensuring that children have access to information to make informed choices. 

UNICEF underlines that the European Union must also ensure the above through the European Pact on Migration and Asylum currently under negotiation.

For more information, read the press release by UNICEF.