In Lebanon, "significant increase" in illegal emigration

Hundreds of people in Lebanon have attempted in recent months the perilous crossing in the Mediterranean to reach Cyprus, against the backdrop of an economic crisis that has plunged 650,000 additional children into poverty, the NGO Save the Children warned on Wednesday (October 14th).

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Between July and September, the NGO identified 21 sea crossings against only 17 over the whole of 2019. This phenomenon, catalyzed by an unprecedented economic crisis and the impoverishment of the population, has experienced a

in September.

During this month,

, indicates the British organization.

Parents had to tie the remains of their children to the sides of the boat, to avoid losing them at sea. ”

Save the Children

These trips, often aboard makeshift boats, have already cost the lives of several people including children, adds Save the Children, which has gathered several testimonies from survivors.

a teenager quoted by the NGO.

says Save the Children.

A 12-year-old Syrian witnessed his mother die on the eighth and last day of an abortive crossing.

(they)

he said.

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Soaring prices, the collapse of the national currency and the shortage of basic products have

of the population in Lebanon, deplores the NGO.

According to Save the Children,

.

The organization called on the Lebanese government to prioritize vulnerable families and the Cypriot authorities to offer asylum and protection to migrants.