Children on the Central Mediterranean Sea migration route

Since January 2023, approximately 11,600 children, averaging 428 per week, have arrived on the shores of Italy from North Africa, according to UNICEF. 

This marks a two-fold increase compared to the same period in 2022, despite the significant dangers involved for these children. Most of them embark on their journey from Libya and Tunisia, after already enduring perilous trips from various countries across Africa and the Middle East. 

Unfortunately, many shipwrecks occurring during the Central Mediterranean Sea crossing result in no survivors or go unreported. As a result, the true number of child casualties is nearly impossible to verify, and it is likely much higher than estimated. 

According to UNICEF, at least 289 children have died or disappeared this year while attempting to cross the Central Mediterranean Sea migration route from North Africa to Europe. This means that almost eleven children lose their lives or go missing every week as they seek safety, peace, and better opportunities. 

Since 2018, UNICEF estimates that approximately 1,500 children have lost their lives or gone missing while attempting the Central Mediterranean Sea crossing. This accounts for one in every five of the 8,274 individuals recorded by IOM's Missing Migrant Project as having died or gone missing on this route.

 

_{Source: UNICEF}