Six children die in shipwreck in the Aegean Sea
Statement by Regina De Dominicis, UNICEF Europe and Central Asia Regional Office and Special Coordinator for the Refugee and Migrant Response in Europe
ATHENS/GENEVA 26 November 2024 – “Six children are among eight people who lost their lives yesterday in the Aegean Sea. The children were with some 40 people travelling on a small dinghy boat across the Eastern Mediterranean migration route between Türkiye and Greece.
“Our deepest sympathies go out to families of all those who lost their lives in yet another tragedy to mar these shores. At least 2,508 people – among them children – have lost their lives in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea since 2014, the majority of whom having fled conflict and poverty.
“We urge governments to use the Migration and Asylum Pact to strengthen their commitment to safeguarding children. This must include ensuring safe, legal and accessible pathways for children to seek protection and reunite with family members.
“Coordinated search and rescue operations at sea, safe disembarkation, community-based reception, and access to asylum services are paramount to preventing these entirely preventable deaths and ensuring children are protected.”
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Notes to editors:
At least 2,508 people died or disappeared along the Eastern Mediterranean Sea migration route between 2014 and 21 October 2024, according to the IOM’s Missing Migrants Project.
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