Mapping Children on the Move within Africa
to 92 per cent in 2016”.321 The figures were similar in the course of 2017. Most children came from
Eritrea, the Gambia, Nigeria, Egypt and Guinea.322
In the recent past Egypt has become a transit country for people moving to Europe. This has
been observed since 2016 following the crossing of the Mediterranean Sea by irregular migrants
and asylum seekers from Egypt.323 This is attributable to the deteriorating security situation in
Libya and the challenges of migrating to Israel.324
Map 3: Northern-Western Route 325
4.1.2 The Sinai Route/Northern Route
This route starts from the East and Horn of Africa through Sudan and Egypt into Israel. Israel
was particularly a major destination for Eritrean migrants.326 From 2012 the number of people
moving using the route has been on the decline to an extent that it is almost inoperative.327 This
is attributable to restrictive policies and measures that both Israel and Egypt have put in place
such as tough border controls and the construction of a fence along the Sinai-Israeli border as
well as establishment of a center for detention.328 Due to the restrictive measures taken by Israel
321
322
323
324
325
326
327
328
UNICEF. May 2017. A child is a child: Protecting children on the move from violence,
abuse and exploitation. p11
As above.
Marchand (n 312 above) p 25.
As above.
As above.
GIZ et al, irregular Migration from and in the East and Horn of Africa (2016) p 30
As above.
As above.
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