UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees) and UNICEF (United Nations Children’s Fund) officials recently visited Lampedusa and highlighted the urgent need for more support for vulnerable migrants, including children. Despite a reduction in the number of arrivals, Lampedusa remains a primary entry point via the dangerous Central Mediterranean route, with nearly 900 deaths reported this year.
During their visit, Chiara Cardoletti, UNHCR Representative to Italy, the Holy See, and San Marino, along with Nicola Dell’Arciprete, UNICEF Country Coordinator for Italy, praised the swift and regular transfers of migrants from Lampedusa to other locations. However, they stressed the importance of giving special attention to vulnerable individuals, particularly minors, ensuring they are accommodated in suitable facilities. This was emphasized in a joint statement by UNHCR and UNICEF.
UNHCR and UNICEF also called for new identification procedures to be implemented that align with children’s rights, ensuring they receive proper support, including linguistic mediation. In 2024, Lampedusa has continued to be the main arrival point for migrants using the Central Mediterranean route to reach Europe, according to UNHCR.
As of July 15, 2024, over 30,000 asylum seekers and migrants have arrived on Italy’s shores, including 3,700 unaccompanied minors. This number represents a significant decrease compared to the same period last year. However, the number of people who have died or gone missing while crossing the Central Mediterranean remains alarmingly high, with nearly 900 casualties since January, according to the latest data.
“The number of vulnerable individuals arriving on Lampedusa and at other Italian ports is increasing. Refugees and migrants continue to face extreme violence, human rights violations, and exploitation both at sea and on land routes across Africa towards the Mediterranean coasts,” said Cardoletti.
She added that this increase is partly due to the worsening situations in countries of origin and transit, which are exacerbated by new conflicts in the Sahel and Sudan, the devastating impact of climate change, and ongoing emergencies in East Africa and the Horn of Africa. Additionally, manifestations of racism and xenophobia are affecting refugees and migrants.
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