UNICEF is calling on governments to address the protection of migrant children in the world with urgency..
A new report reveals that the number of refugee and migrant children travelling alone has reached a record high, increasing by nearly five times since 2010 – to at least 300,0000. 92% of minors who arrived in Italy in 2016 were without an adult.
UNICEF Deputy Executive Director, Justin Forsyth said: “We know from our experience of working on the ground in north Africa, in central America, in parts of Asia, in parts of Europe like Italy, Greece, Bulgaria, all of these different countries, that there are many children that aren’t counted and therefore, the number of 300,000 which is a five-fold increase is probably the tip of an iceberg.”
It is feared that many migrant children are exposed to sexual abuse and exploitation at the hands of traffickers and opportunists.The central Mediterranean passage is one of several migration routes identified as particularly dangerous for children. More than 75% of the 1,600 14- to 17-year-olds who arrived in Italy reported being held against their will or forced to work.
“Ruthless smugglers and traffickers are exploiting their vulnerability for personal gain, helping children to cross borders, only to sell them into slavery and forced prostitution. It is unconscionable that we are not adequately defending children from these predators.” Says Forsyth.
In the report, UNICEF suggests that the best protection for children is efforts to keep families together, and improving access to education and health services