Approximately 3,500 Children Have Died or Disappeared Crossing Central Mediterranean in Past Decade

UNICEF reports that around 3,500 children have died or gone missing attempting to cross the Central Mediterranean migration route to Italy over the last 10 years, averaging one child lost every day, Reliefweb.com reported. Most of these children—about 70%—travel without a parent or legal guardian, facing dangerous and traumatic journeys. Over half report experiencing physical violence, and a third say they were held against their will.

The perilous route has claimed at least 20,803 lives in total during this period, though the true number may be higher due to unrecorded shipwrecks and unidentified victims. Many children are fleeing conflict, violence, and poverty.

UNICEF urges governments to uphold children’s rights under national and international law, emphasizing the need for child-sensitive search and rescue operations. Upon arrival, children must receive immediate legal support and protection, with no detention during migration procedures.

In Italy, UNICEF collaborates with authorities to provide psychosocial, health, and protective services to vulnerable children and women.