Attributable to Abdel-Rahman Ghandour, Special Representative of UNICEF for Libya

TRIPOLI, Libya, July 17, 2018 /CNW/ - "UNICEF is horrified at reports that six children were found dead in an abandoned truck on the way to Zwara in north-western Libya.

"Too many children are needlessly losing their lives on these deadly journeys as they search for education, opportunities and simply a better future.

"In the first six months of 2018, there have been more than 23,000 attempts to cross the Mediterranean Sea from Libya. Children are far too often paying the heaviest price due to a lack of safe and legal migration routes.

"UNICEF calls for immediate action at all levels to protect the safety of children on the move in Libya and for collective efforts to provide alternatives to the dangerous deadly journeys".

About UNICEF

UNICEF has saved more children's lives than any other humanitarian organization. We work tirelessly to help children and their families, doing whatever it takes to ensure children survive. We provide children with healthcare and immunization, clean water, nutrition and food security, education, emergency relief and more.

UNICEF is supported entirely by voluntary donations and helps children regardless of race, religion or politics. As part of the UN, we are active in over 190 countries - more than any other organization. Our determination and our reach are unparalleled. Because nowhere is too far to go to help a child survive. For more information about UNICEF, please visit www.unicef.ca. For updates, follow us on Twitter and Facebook or visit unicef.ca.

SOURCE UNICEF Canada

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