UNICEF has expressed its deep sadness over the drowning of three children between the ages of six months and three years off the coast of Zuwara, west of the capital Tripoli.

“It is simply horrific that more than 632 people, including children, have died attempting to cross the sea,” UNICEF tweeted.

The organization called for immediate action at all levels to protect the safety of children and provide safer alternatives.

It indicated that since the start of the year, more than 9,659 migrants and refugees, 483 of whom are children, intercepted and returned to Libya. An increase of 91 percent among children when compared to the same period in 2020.

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