Harrowing Journeys: Children and youth on the move across the Mediterranean Sea, at risk of trafficking and exploitation

Adolescents pay a high risk for a chance at a better life. The journey to Europe through the Mediterranean Sea is incredibly dangerous, especially for youth fleeing from Sub-Saharan Africa. A boy with a secondary education, travelling by group through this pathway, is 73% likely to fall victim of exploitation. This is a staggering number compared to youth coming from other regions, who are at a 38% chance of exploitation.

With this report, UNICEF and IOM demand a comprehensive strategy to combat the intersectional factors that expose refugee children and youth to these risks.