UNICEF has expressed deep sadness at reports that three children aged between six months and three years drowned off the coast of the city of Zuwara.
“UNICEF is sad to confirm that last week bodies of three children, including 6-months-old & 3-years-old children, washed up on the shores of Zwara, a coastal city in Libya situated 102 km west of Tripoli,” it tweeted on Wednesday.
“Since the start of the year, over 9,659 migrants and refugees, 483 of whom are children, were intercepted and returned to Libya. An increase of 91 percent among children when compared to the same period in 2020. This increase comes despite the grave risks involved.
“It is simply horrific that more than 632 people, including children, have died attempting to cross the sea,” it added in a statement.
“Too many children needlessly lose their lives through deadly migration routes as they search for safety and a better life,” it continued.
It called for immediate action at all levels to protect the safety of children and efforts to provide safer alternatives. It committed itself to support all governments throughout the central Mediterranean to develop and implement long-term care facilities and solutions for children.
Three days ago, the Libyan navy rescued 101 illegal migrants who were on their way to European coasts onboard a rubber boat.
