UN Reports Record Migrant Deaths on Routes in 2024

UN Reports Record Migrant Deaths on Routes in 2024

The United Nations revealed on Friday that 2024 marked the deadliest year on record for migrants, with nearly 9,000 deaths worldwide. The UN described the situation as a “tragedy” that is “unacceptable and preventable.”

According to the UN’s migration agency, the International Organization for Migration (IOM), at least 8,938 people lost their lives on migration routes in 2024. This marks the fifth consecutive year that migrant death tolls have reached record highs.

Ugochi Daniels, the IOM’s deputy director, emphasized the human cost behind these statistics, stating, “The tragedy of the growing number of migrant deaths worldwide is both unacceptable and preventable.” She added, “Behind every number is a human being, someone for whom the loss is devastating.”

The IOM also noted that the actual number of migrant deaths and disappearances is likely much higher, as many cases go undocumented due to a lack of official reporting. The identities and specific circumstances of most victims remain unknown.

In 2024, Asia, Africa, and Europe all saw record numbers of migrant deaths, with 2,778, 2,242, and 233 fatalities, respectively. The Mediterranean Sea, a primary route for those attempting to reach Europe, accounted for 2,452 deaths alone.

While final data for the Americas is still pending, preliminary figures indicate at least 1,233 migrant deaths in the region. This includes an unprecedented 341 deaths in the Caribbean and a record 174 fatalities among migrants crossing the Darien Gap, a treacherous jungle corridor between Colombia and Panama.

The Darien Gap has long been a critical migratory route for individuals attempting to reach the United States. The rising death toll highlights the extreme risks faced by migrants and underscores the urgent need for global action to address this ongoing humanitarian crisis.

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