More than 2,200 people have been reported dead or missing in the Mediterranean in 2024, according to UNICEF. Nearly 1,700 of these losses occurred along the central Mediterranean route, said UNICEF’s regional director for Europe and Central Asia, Regina De Dominicis, on Wednesday.
“The death toll and number of missing persons in the Mediterranean in 2024 have now surpassed 2,200, with nearly 1,700 lives lost on the central Mediterranean route alone. This includes hundreds of children, who make up one in five of all people migrating through the Mediterranean. The majority are fleeing violent conflict and poverty,” she said.
De Dominicis, who also serves as Special Coordinator for the Refugee and Migrant Response in Europe, urged governments to take immediate action and to “prioritize safe migration pathways, strengthen search-and-rescue efforts, and protect children at every stage of their journey”.
The announcement came hours after another tragedy at sea on Dec. 31. At least 20 migrants are missing or presumed dead following the sinking of their boat en route to Italy from Libya.
Italian authorities said only seven people had been rescued.
Among others, UNICEF is urging EU governments to leverage the Migration and Asylum Pact to prioritize safeguarding children which includes ensuring safe, legal pathways for protection and family reunification, coordinated search and rescue operations, safe disembarkation, community-based reception, and access to asylum services.
De Dominicis also called for increased investment in essential services for children and families arriving via dangerous migration routes, including psychosocial support, legal aid, health care, and education.