Shipwreck tragedy off the coast of Lampedusa kills three children and leaves survivors clinging to boat as family members drown around them

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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About UNICEF
The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) works in more than 190 countries and territories to pursue a more equitable world for every child. UNICEF has helped save more children's lives than any other humanitarian organization, by providing health care and immunizations, safe water and sanitation, nutrition, education, emergency relief and more.

UNICEF USA advances the global mission of UNICEF by rallying the American public to support the world's most vulnerable children. Together, we are working toward a world that upholds the rights of all children and helps every child thrive. For more information, visit www.unicefusa.org.

For more information please contact:
Jenna Buraczenski, UNICEF USA, (917) 720-1432, [email protected]