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Unicef - Response to Lords committee report on Operation Sophia

Lily Caprani, Deputy Executive Director at Unicef UK, responded to yesterday’s Lords committee report on Operation Sophia

“The Lords Committee is right to point out that we must address the underlying need for these dangerous journeys: a lack of safe and legal routes. Those that continue to be forced into this perilous journey include vulnerable unaccompanied children, including those trying to join their family in Europe.

The UK Government must change our family reunion rules so that children don’t have to travel to Europe in order to reunite with their loved ones, but can instead apply to join their family from countries outside the EU, reducing the need for dangerous journeys.

In the absence of family reunion rules that work, children will continue to risk drowning at sea and being forced into the hands of traffickers and smugglers to make this application from Europe. This verdict from the House of Lords reminds us that urgent action is needed to stop children losing their lives on this dangerous route.

It is also vital that search and rescue operations continue, and that action is taken to address the underlying issues that are forcing so many children from their homes.”

View report: Operation Sophia saves lives but has not stopped people smuggling

For more information please contact:

Monomita Raksit, Unicef UK, on +44 (0)207 375 6212 or MonomitaR@unicef.org.uk
Unicef UK Media Team on +44 (0)207 375 6030 or media@unicef.org.uk

About Unicef

Unicef is the world’s leading organisation for children, promoting the rights and wellbeing of every child, in everything we do. Together with our partners, we work in 190 countries and territories to translate that commitment into practical action, focusing special effort on reaching the most vulnerable and excluded children, to the benefit of all children, everywhere. Unicef UK raises funds to protect children in danger, transform their lives and build a safer world for tomorrow’s children. As a registered charity we raise funds through donations from individuals, organisations and companies and we lobby and campaign to keep children safe. Unicef UK also runs programmes in schools, hospitals and with local authorities in the UK. For more information please visit unicef.org.uk

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