UNICEF calls for more action before more tragedies unfold in Mediterranean

The UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) on Monday called for more action to prevent tragedies on the Mediterranean Sea, which have left hundreds of people, including children, dead or missing and are becoming all too frequent.

"Two deadly incidents in just two days on the Mediterranean Sea stress the need for swift, collective and courageous action," the UN agency said in a press release issued here."Thousands have made perilous journeys to Europe -- from men and women, sometimes entire families in search of safety and opportunities in Europe to teenagers and young children -- fleeing brutal conflicts back home such as in Syria."

Nearly 800 migrants are suspected to have died at sea when a packed ship capsized in international waters south of Italy's Sicily on Saturday night, local reports said on Sunday.

The UN High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) said that around 50 people had been rescued of the 800 reported to be on board.

At least 1,600 people have died so far this year before even setting foot on the European soil.

"Children who find themselves on these journeys are exposed to abuse, exploitation and possibly death, and if they survive, are often placed in unsafe and unsuitable conditions. This is in violation of the Convention on the Rights of the Child," UNICEF said.

"We ask that all actions are guided by the best interests of every one of these children, every step of the way," the UN agency said. "No matter their refugee or migrant status, children are to be cared for in a safe place -- and not in a detention facility -- with access to education, health, social and legal services with full implementation of existing safeguards especially for the most vulnerable."

"With the start of the warmer weather in Europe when numbers of migrants are likely to rise, decisive action could avoid more senseless deaths," UNICEF said.

"This means following the EU's existing safeguards for unaccompanied minors, strengthening search-and-rescue capacities to save and protect lives, prosecuting human traffickers, and tackling the root causes of migration in countries of origin -- conflict, poverty and discrimination -- to avoid more tragic losses."

UNICEF is committed to promoting children's rights and wellbeing. Together with its partners, the UN agency works in 190 countries and territories to translate that commitment into practical action. Endi