GENEVA: Last year marked the deadliest year on record for migrants, with at least 8,938 people losing their lives on dangerous migration routes, according to the United Nations’ International Organization for Migration (IOM). A staggering 10% of these deaths were caused by violence, including shootings, stabbings, and beatings.
Asian migration routes were the most perilous, followed by the Mediterranean and African routes, which include the treacherous Sahara Desert crossing. The alarming rise in migrant deaths highlights the urgent need for global intervention. “The increase in deaths across so many regions in the world shows why we need an international, holistic response that can prevent further tragic loss of life,” said Ugochi Daniels, IOM’s Deputy Director General for Operations.
IOM data reveals that many violent deaths occurred in countries such as Iran, Myanmar, Bangladesh, and Mexico. However, the agency did not specify who was responsible for the killings. Additionally, incidents where migrants drowned after being forcibly pushed back by coastguards are not reflected in the statistics on violent deaths.
Since IOM began tracking migrant fatalities in 2014, the number of recorded deaths has steadily risen, with a sharp increase each year since 2021. The actual number of migrant deaths is believed to be significantly higher, as many incidents go unreported due to the lack of official documentation.
The crisis has been exacerbated by significant aid cuts from the United States, forcing IOM and other humanitarian organizations to scale back or even shut down crucial programs. These funding reductions have severely impacted the ability of these agencies to provide life-saving assistance to displaced people.
The growing death toll on migration routes underscores the dire need for a coordinated global effort to ensure safer migration pathways and protect vulnerable individuals. Without urgent action, thousands more lives will continue to be lost in the pursuit of safety and a better future.
