At least 45 refugees drown as smuggling boats sink off Greece

At least 45 people, including 20 children, drowned after three refugee boats sank Friday off Greece, marking one of the deadliest days for those risking the perilous route to Europe from Turkey. A search-and-rescue operation was underway for others feared trapped in the wreckage. Despite wintry conditions, thousands of people fleeing war and misery are still embarking on the dangerous journey across the Mediterranean to seek a better life in Europe.

If Europe is not capable of protecting its own borders, it’s the very idea of Europe that will be questioned.

French Prime Minister Manuel Valls

The latest drownings come a day after at least 12 refugees, including children, died off the Turkish coast. German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Friday sought to press Turkey to play a bigger part in resolving Europe’s escalating crisis. Germany and Turkey have emerged as crucial players in the crisis, and both Merkel and Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu will seek to drive a hard bargain in Berlin, where the two countries’ cabinets are meeting. The outcome of Friday’s talks is not only important for Merkel, who faces intense pressure at home to impose a cap on Germany’s refugee intake, but will also have resonance across Europe, where public opinion is hardening against a record influx of asylum seekers.

Instead of focusing on building fences and tightening border controls, we are calling on European leaders to take action to ensure no more children lose their lives senselessly.

Kate O'Sullivan, a member of the Save the Children charity team on the island of Lesbos

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