Two children die and another two still missing in deadly shipwrecks off Libya’s coast
**TRIPOLI, 23 December 2021 – **“Children continue to lose their lives amid attempts to cross the Central Mediterranean, one of the most dangerous and deadliest migration routes in the world.
“Just this week, two children were found dead off Libya’s shores and another two are still missing due to three shipwrecks. At least 70 people drowned while another 100 are still missing.
“The past year has been especially harsh. We saw an increase of 25 per cent in the number of people who perished off Libya’s shores in comparison to 2020.
“Despite immense perils, many families continue to risk their lives in search for a better life for them and their children as poverty and unemployment levels increase exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We call for support to migrants and refugees and to strengthen search and rescue mechanisms. We also call to address the route causes of migration and support safe migration for children and young people through expanding safe and legal pathways.
“UNICEF will continue to work with partners towards finding a safer alternative to sea crossing and long-term solutions for children attempting to cross the sea”.
Source: UN Children’s Fund