The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) has mourned the deaths of at least 139 migrants, including 15 children, after a boat carrying more than 300 people capsized off the coast of Djibouti.
In a statement, UNICEF Africa said search and rescue operations were still underway, with several passengers reported missing following the tragedy off the Horn of Africa.
The vessel was carrying migrants seeking economic opportunities and better living conditions when it overturned, leaving dozens dead and families devastated.
UNICEF Regional Director for Eastern and Southern Africa Etleva Kadilli expressed condolences to the survivors and families who lost their loved ones in the disaster.
Kadilli said the incident highlighted the dangers faced by migrants, particularly children and families, as they travel in search of better lives.
“This tragedy is a stark reminder of the dangers that migrants face while trying to seek a better life and economic opportunities,” she said.
She added that children and families needed protection and support to ensure they could move safely without risking their lives along migration routes.
The disaster has renewed attention on the risks faced by people undertaking dangerous journeys in search of employment and improved living conditions.
UNICEF said it remained committed to working with the Government of Djibouti to strengthen protection measures for vulnerable children and families along migration routes.
The agency emphasised the need to safeguard the welfare of children and ensure that families on the move receive appropriate protection and support.
Rescue teams continued searching for missing passengers as authorities worked to establish the full circumstances of the incident.
The number of survivors and the identities of those who died had not been provided in the statement.
The tragedy adds to concerns over the safety of migrants travelling through the Horn of Africa, where people continue to undertake risky journeys in pursuit of economic opportunities and better living conditions.
