At least 139 people, including 15 children, have died after a migrant boat capsized off the coast of Djibouti late last week, UNICEF Regional Director for Eastern and Southern Africa Etleva Kadilli said in a statement on Monday.

The vessel was carrying just over 300 migrants when it capsized, while several people remain missing, the statement read.

Kadilli expressed the agency’s condolences to survivors and the families of those who lost their lives, describing the incident as a reminder of the dangers migrants face while seeking better living conditions and economic opportunities.

“This tragedy is a stark reminder of the dangers that migrants face while trying to seek a better life and economic opportunities,” Kadilli said.

She affirmed the need to protect and support children and families so they can move safely without risking their lives.

UNICEF reaffirmed its commitment to working with the Djiboutian government to safeguard children’s safety and well-being.

The incident highlights the risks faced by migrants travelling along routes across the Horn of Africa, where people often undertake dangerous sea journeys in search of employment and better living conditions.

Children are particularly vulnerable during such journeys, facing risks including drowning, exploitation, family separation and limited access to essential services.

The latest tragedy adds to concerns over the safety of migrants using routes connecting the Horn of Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, where overcrowded vessels and hazardous travel conditions have contributed to deadly incidents.