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According to the United Nations, more than 2,500 displaced people have died trying to cross European coasts since the beginning of the year.
Published on September 29th, 2023 11:05 am Updated on September 29th, 2023 11:34 am
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On August 20, 2023, refugees are rescued off the coast of Libya in the Mediterranean. (VALERIA FERRARO / ANADOLU AGENCY / AFP)
The number of migrants who died or disappeared while attempting to cross the Mediterranean this summer is three times higher than in the same period last year, UNICEF warned on Friday September 29. Between June and August 2023, “at least 990 people, including children,” were shipwrecked in the central Mediterranean, compared to 334 people in the summer of 2022.
If the total proportion of children is not quantified, Unicef states that between January and mid-September 11,600 “unaccompanied minors” tried to get to Italy on board makeshift boats, 60% more than in the same period in 2022 ( 7,200).
“The Mediterranean is a graveyard for children”
“The Mediterranean has become a graveyard for children and their future. The tragic number of children dying in search of asylum and safety in Europe is the result of political decisions and a failing migration system,” said Regina De Dominicis, who coordinates the issue at Unicef.
According to the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, more than 2,500 displaced people have died or disappeared since the start of the year after trying to reach Europe across the Mediterranean.
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