Unicef-Bericht über flüchtende Kinder und Frauen auf der zentralen Mittelmeerroute, 28.2.2017 (engl. Originalfassung)
There is no let-up in the number of children and women forced to make the journey to Italy. In January 2017, the height of winter, 4,463 people had to rely on smugglers for the passage to Italy. In the last week of January alone, a staggering 1,852 people made the dangerous crossing, eight times higher than the same week in the previous year.
The number of those dying during the crossing via the Central Mediterranean Route is climbing too. An estimated 228 deaths in all are reported so far this year − 1 in 21 migrants in January, compared to 1 in 24 in December 2016, and 1 in 41 for the entire year 2016. UNICEF estimates that 40 children died in January alone.
The Central Mediterranean Route has become a massive people smuggling operation, which has grown out of control for the lack of safe and alternative migration systems. It exploits porous and corrupt border security, the sparse Saharan terrain and the vacuum created by the Libyan conflict.
It is time to stop the exploitation, abuse, and death of women and children on this route of misery. Women and children deserve to be protected from violence, exploitation and abuse along their journey. They should not have to put their lives in the hands of smugglers. They should be afforded safe and legal pathways to a better life.
Den vollständigen Bericht finden Sie hier (pdf).