GENEVA: The United Nations’ International Organization for Migration (IOM) has reported that 2024 was the deadliest year for migrants, with nearly 9,000 fatalities worldwide. The agency described the situation as both “unacceptable and preventable.”
Migrant Deaths Hit Record High for Fifth Year
According to IOM, at least 8,938 migrants lost their lives on dangerous migration routes in 2024. This marks the fifth consecutive year of record-breaking fatalities.
“The rising number of migrant deaths is a global tragedy that could have been prevented,” said Ugochi Daniels, Deputy Director of IOM. “Each number represents a human life, and the loss is devastating.”
Unfortunately, the actual number of deaths is likely higher. Due to limited official documentation, many fatalities remain unreported.
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Most Dangerous Migration Routes in 2024
The highest death tolls occurred in several regions:
- Asia: 2,778 fatalities
- Africa: 2,242 fatalities
- Europe: 233 fatalities
The Mediterranean Sea remained the deadliest migration route, with 2,452 recorded deaths. Many migrants perished while making the treacherous journey from North Africa to Europe in overcrowded boats.
Meanwhile, in the Americas, at least 1,233 migrants lost their lives. Alarmingly, the Caribbean saw an unprecedented 341 deaths, while 174 migrants died crossing the Darien jungle between Colombia and Panama.
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UN Urges Immediate Action
The United Nations is calling for urgent intervention. It stresses the importance of:
✅ Safer migration policies
✅ Increased search-and-rescue operations
✅ Expanding legal pathways for migrants
If governments fail to act, the global migrant death toll will likely continue rising, IOM warned. Addressing these challenges requires global cooperation, policy reforms, and humanitarian support.
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