Record number of children died crossing Channel last year, says UN

In a troubling report from the UN's International Organization for Migration (IOM), a record 82 individuals, including at least 14 children, died in the Channel in the previous year. These numbers may underrepresent the true scale of the crisis, given previous years' significantly lower figures. By contrast, only one child death was recorded in 2023. UN officials stress the urgent need for humanitarian support and improved tracking of missing persons to prevent further loss of life during perilous crossings.

Last year, the UN's International Organization for Migration recorded the highest number of deaths and missing persons in the Channel, totaling 82 deaths, including 14 children.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres recommended concrete steps, including humanitarian assistance for migrants in distress and improved data collection efforts to address the crisis.

Read at www.theguardian.com