The plight of children fleeing conflict in North Africa

As the conflict in Libya continues, the charity Save the Children is warning that children fleeing the fighting risk starvation and even death. The charity says children as young as 12 are making the perilous journey unaccompanied from North Africa to the Italian island of Lampedusa in migrant boats.

Frequently they are arriving malnourished and terrified after spending days at sea.

“It is really a challenge for many of them”, says Michele Prosperi, spokesperson for Save the Children in Lampedusa.

Speaking to Lydia O’Kane about the children’s plight, he adds that “the journey I would say is a kind of dramatic experience.”

Arrangements are being made for over 120 children to be placed in childrens homes in a number of regions in Italy. Listen