During a visit to Lampedusa, UNHCR and UNICEF officials highlighted the urgent need for greater support for vulnerable migrants, including minors. Despite a decrease in overall arrivals, the island remains the primary entry point via the perilous Central Mediterranean route, with nearly 900 deaths this year.
During the visit, UNHCR Representative to Italy, the Holy See, and San Marino, Chiara Cardoletti, and UNICEF Country Coordinator for Italy, Nicola Dell'Arciprete, praised the prompt and regular transfers of migrants from Lampedusa to other locations. However, they emphasized the need for special attention to vulnerable individuals, including minors, ensuring they are hosted in appropriate facilities, according to a joint statement.
UNHCR and UNICEF also called for new identification procedures to be implemented in line with children's rights, ensuring adequate support, including linguistic mediation.
In 2024, Lampedusa has once again been the primary arrival point for migrants using the Central Mediterranean route to reach Europe, according to UNHCR.
Also read: Almost 95,000 migrants passed through Lampedusa over a year
3,700 unaccompanied minors out of 30,000 migrants
As of July 15, over 30,000 asylum seekers and migrants arrived on Italy's coasts, including 3,700 unaccompanied minors. This number is a significant decrease compared with the same period of last year.
However, the number of people who have died or gone missing while crossing the Central Mediterranean route remains high, with nearly 900 casualties since January, according to the most recent data available.
"The number of people with vulnerabilities arriving on Lampedusa and at other Italian ports is increasing. Refugees and migrants continue to face extreme forms of violence, human rights violations, and exploitation not only at sea but also on land routes across the African continent on their way towards the Mediterranean coasts," said Cardoletti.
"This increase is partially due to the worsening situation in countries of origin and transit, 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," she added.
Also read: Italy: Migrant arrivals down 60% in 2024, interior ministry says