Shipwreck tragedy off the coast of Lampedusa kills three children and leaves survivors clinging to boat as family members drown around them
Statement by Nicola Dell'Arciprete, UNICEF Country Coordinator in Italy
NEW YORK (September 4, 2024) – “Three children are reportedly among some 20 people who have died in yet another tragic shipwreck off the coast of Lampedusa. Our deepest sympathies go out to their families.
“Survivors have told us that the wooden boat – which departed from Sabratha, Libya three days ago – capsized repeatedly, leaving people clinging to the side of the boat as their family members drowned around them.
"UNICEF urges governments to leverage the framework provided by the Migration and Asylum Pact to strengthen their commitment to safeguarding children, in line with both EU and international law. This includes ensuring safe, legal and accessible pathways for children to seek protection and reunite with family members.
“At the same time, coordinated search and rescue operations at sea, safe disembarkation, community-based reception, and access to asylum services are essential to preventing deaths and protecting children.”
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