United Nations aid agencies have warned of a sharp increase in unaccompanied Afghan children applying for asylum across Europe. UNICEF says there is an urgent need to protect children migrating alone. The latest figures from the UN refugee agency show an increase of 60 per cent last year, with more than 6,000 under-18s seeking asylum. The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child obliges countries to protect children of all nationalities. The UN believes the latest figures are the tip of the Iceberg, many unaccompanied minors do not apply for asylum because they fear detention and deportation.