Families split after Lampedusa rescue, parents reunited with children in Sicily

The four families, including children and infants, had departed from Libya on 11 October, together with some 400 people mainly Syrians and Palestinians. After a dramatic journey the boat capsized and 212 individuals were saved in a complex rescue operation carried out jointly by the Armed Forces of Malta and the Italian Coast Guard.

During the rescue operation a number of families were separated as 146 people were brought to Malta while 66 were taken to Sicily and Lampedusa.

In the aftermath of the rescue operation high priority was given to the reunification process for six separated children who were taken in care at a children's home in Sicily, the youngest among them a one year old infant. A cooperative effort involving authorities in Malta and the Italian judicial system was undertaken in order to legally ascertain the parental links, including through verification of DNA tests.

With travel documents issued by Malta and emergency visas arranged by Italy the parents of the children arrived in Sicily this afternoon, accompanied by a UNHCR staff member.

"We are glad that this family reunification finally took place, it is precious and positive moment for some of the survivors, in what is otherwise a very tragic story," Laurens Jolles, UNHCR Regional Representative.

"The reunification process was extremely complex, not least because it involved separated children and infants," Jolles added, "I wish to thank all those who made the reunification happen, the Maltese and Italian authorities, the embassies of the two countries and the humanitarian organizations involved."

The four families reunited will now be included in the SPRAR accommodation project - a system to provide protection to asylum seekers and refugees in Agrigento, Sicily.