A startling report titled 'Lost in Europe' has revealed that more than 50,000 unaccompanied migrant children have gone missing in Europe over the past three years, averaging 47 children disappearing every day. The findings were reported by CNN based on the research report.

According to the report, between 2021 and 2023, a total of 51,433 unaccompanied migrant children and adolescents under state supervision were reported missing in Europe. Italy has recorded the highest number of missing migrant children, with 22,899 children reported missing in the country during this period.

Other countries affected include Austria with 20,077 missing children, Belgium with 2,241, Germany with 2,005, and Switzerland with 1,226 missing children.

Aje Lieven, the secretary general of Missing Children Europe, expressed concern over the increasing number of missing migrant children, highlighting the risks they face, particularly from traffickers. He emphasized the urgent need for European governments to take decisive action to ensure the safety of these vulnerable children.

Lieven also noted that while some missing children may have left to reunite with relatives or friends in other countries without registering, many others are exploited by traffickers, either to repay debts or as hostages to manipulate loved ones.

The report underscores the pressing need for robust measures to address the plight of missing migrant children and safeguard their well-being in Europe.