Migrant Deaths: A Growing Crisis
According to the UN migration agency, IOM, one in three migrant deaths occurs during the journey to escape conflict. Shockingly, over two-thirds of documented migrant deaths remain unidentified. The past year marked a tragic record, with 8,541 migrant fatalities, and a significant portion of these deaths, nearly 60%, were due to drowning.
Alarming Trends in 2024
The situation remains dire in 2024, especially along the Mediterranean sea route. Despite lower arrival numbers compared to the previous year, the death toll remains high, with 956 deaths recorded since the beginning of the year.
The Challenge of Unidentified Deaths
More than two-thirds of migrant deaths are still unidentified, leaving families and communities grappling with uncertainty about their loved ones. The Missing Migrant Project data reveals that the remains of 26,666 individuals who died while migrating have not been recovered.
Call for Safe Pathways
A significant number of deceased migrants come from conflict-affected regions or countries with large refugee populations, emphasizing the risks faced by those fleeing without safe pathways. The Central Mediterranean route stands out as the deadliest, claiming the lives of at least 23,092 people since 2014.
Urgent Action Needed
Ugochi Daniels, IOM Deputy Director General for Operations, stresses the need to translate data into action to protect vulnerable populations. Advocating for safer migration routes, she calls for enhanced information collection to prevent further tragedies.
IOM’s Strategic Plan
IOM’s Strategic Plan 2024-2028 focuses on saving lives and safeguarding migrants. The agency urges countries and partners to collaborate in ending migrant deaths and addressing the profound impact of these losses on migratory routes globally.