Thousands killed in boat trips to EuropeFrom AHMED MOOLA in Cairo, EgyptCAIRO, (CAJ News) – AT least 700 children are among over 4 500 African nationals that died attempting to cross the Mediterranean to Europe in the past year. Refugee women and migrant children that have survived the deadly journey by boat are routinely suffering sexual violence, exploitation, abuse and detention along the Central Mediterranean migration route. Recent data in a survey of women and child migrants in Libya during late 2016 reveal the appalling level of abuse along the migration route. The route is mostly controlled by smugglers, traffickers and other people seeking to prey upon desperate children and women. “We need safe and legal pathways and safeguards to protect migrating children that keep them safe and keep predators at bay,” said Khan.

Source: The North Africa Journal March 01, 2017 05:23 UTC