The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has labeled 2023 as the deadliest year on record, with 8,541 migrants reportedly drowning during their journey. In a report released on Tuesday, the UN migration agency highlighted that nearly 60 percent of migrant deaths in 2023 were due to drowning.
The report emphasized that one in three migrant deaths occurs during conflicts, and over two-thirds of documented migrant deaths remain unidentified.
In 2024, the alarming trends continue, particularly along the Mediterranean Sea route. Despite a significant decrease in arrivals compared to the same period in 2023, with only 16,818 arrivals recorded so far this year compared to 26,984 last year, the number of deaths remains almost as high. Since January 1, 956 deaths have been registered. The report noted that a large number of these deaths remain unidentified, leaving families and communities grappling with uncertainty about the fate of their loved ones.
According to the UN agency’s Missing Migrant Project data, the remains of 26,666 deceased migrants have not been recovered. Ugochi Daniels, IOM Deputy Director General for Operations, expressed concern over the high number of deaths among women and children, with almost 5,500 females and nearly 3,500 identified children perishing on migration routes in the last decade.
However, the report suggests that the actual number of deaths among women and children is likely much higher, with over 37,000 deceased migrants for whom no information on sex or age is available.
The study also highlighted that more than one in three deceased migrants with identified origins come from conflict-affected countries or countries with significant refugee populations, emphasizing the risks faced by those fleeing conflict without safe pathways.
Ms. Daniels emphasized the need for concrete action to address the toll on vulnerable populations and their families. She called for improved information collection to facilitate the creation of safer migration routes for those escaping conflict and distress in their home countries.
IOM’s new Strategic Plan 2024-2028 aims to save lives and protect people on the move as its primary objective. The agency is urging countries and partners to collaborate to end migrant deaths and address the impacts of the thousands of lives lost on migratory routes worldwide.
